FAQs

  • Why have NZOHA chosen BMS as their Insurance Partner?

    Ensuring NZOHA members have access to comprehensive coverage, additional, evidence-based risk management material and exceptional service for insurance queries and claims is paramount. BMS is a specialist broker dedicated to servicing associations and its members and will continue to enhance the NZOHA Member Insurance Program.

  • I already have a policy, can I apply outside of my membership renewal?

    Yes, you can purchase insurance at any time by contacting BMS.

  • What if I have an open claim with my previous insurer?

    If you have a current claim with your previous insurance company, you will need to continue dealing directly with them. Any new claims or notifications under the new insurance program can be directed to BMS on 0800 999 267.

  • What is Professional Indemnity Insurance?

    Professional Indemnity Insurance protects you against allegations or claims of financial loss due to injury or damages that have resulted from a negligent act, error, omission, malpractice or breach of duty that has arisen out of your professional capacity as an Oral Health Therapist.

  • What are the major benefits of the NZOHA Professional Indemnity Insurance Policy?
    • $10,000,000 Professional Indemnity per member ($20,000,000 per member in the aggregate)
    • Worldwide cover (excluding USA and its protectorates).Unlimited retroactive cover for past activities
    • Run-off cover available when you have a leave of absence or retire (subject to Policy terms and conditions).
  • How do I know if I am covered?

    If you are unsure whether you hold NZOHA Professional Indemnity Insurance, please contact BMS at 0800 999 297 or email nzoha@bmsgroup.com

  • I am a student member. Can I purchase insurance?

    Yes. Student members are eligible for the NZOHA Member Insurance Program provided they are working within their scope of practice and are under supervision.

  • Who do I call if I have any insurance-related questions or to discuss my insurance policy?

    You can contact BMS on 0800 999 267 or by email at nzoha@bmsgroup.com.

  • Am I covered if I provide services to family members?

    No. There is no cover when you are providing your services to family members.

  • What happens if I have a leave of absence during the year?

    The NZOHA Member Insurance Policy is a claims made policy. This means the policy only provides cover for any prior acts as long as you have an active policy at the time of a claim. Therefore it’s important to ensure you have a policy in place should you take a leave of absence (leave where you’ll likely return to work at some stage). This will ensure you’re covered should a claim arise during this time.

  • Does this policy cover me when I retire?

    Yes. The NZOHA Insurance Policy provides run-off cover, which means you are covered when you retire. To activate this, you must apply for run-off cover by contacting BMS on 0800 999 267 or via email at nzoha@bmsgroup.com.

  • Is the NZOHA Member Insurance policy compliant with the Dental Counsel New Zealand Regulation?

    Yes. The NZOHA Insurance Policy complys with and exceeds all requirements set by the Dental Council New Zealand.

  • Will this policy cover my past activities?

    Yes. The NZOHA PI Insurance Policy provides retroactive cover, provided you held equivalent cover as at the date of the performance of the professional services, and that there are no known and unreported circumstances that may lead to a claim.

  • Should I consider this cover if I work in the Public Health Sector?

    As a Public Health Sector worker, without your own insurance policy you are relying on your employer’s Insurance, which may be geared more towards protecting your employer. Further, Public Hospitals or Health Centres typically carry policy excesses upwards of $250,000; which means that, in the event of a claim against you, they may decline to cover you.

    Your employer’s policy may not cover you for:

    • Your services with previous employers;
    • Your private practice work;
    • Your past services rendered;
    • Your services provided as a contractor, sub-contractor or consultant;
    • If you are sued by your employer;
    • Legal support for regulatory inquiries and disciplinary hearings.

    NZOHA members who participate in the Insurance Program also have peace of mind that they have an individual $10,000,000 limit covering their interests as well as access to legal assistance with a senior lawyer for each potential issue that arises.

    Having your own individual policy also ensures you are covered if you want to work while transitioning from one employer to the next.

  • What do I do if I have a claim or complaint made against me?

    Members should

    • Immediately report any potential claim to BMS
    • Formally document the incident, including details of those involved
    • Submit any formal statement to BMS
    • Report any regulatory investigations or notice of complaint immediately
    • Gather any noted and supporting documentation

    Members should not

    • Speak with any third parties about the claim
    • Assume any legal fees before reporting a claim
    • Offer compensation to independently settle a claim
    • Amend or change any previous medical records once a statement of claim has been received

    If you are aware of a potential claim you should contact BMS directly on 0800 999 267 or nzoha@bmsgroup.com.

  • What other insurance products can I purchase?

    Business Insurance
    Business Insurance is designed for Allied Health & Medical businesses. Cover can be customised to your business needs and can include: Property Damage, Business Interruption, Theft, Money Glass, General Property, Electronic Equipment Breakdown, Machinery Breakdown, Tax Audit and Employee Fraud.

    General Liability
    General Liability insurance is designed to cover you and your business against the financial implications if you are found liable for loss or damage to other people's property, or cause illness or injury that is not covered by the Accident Compensation Commission (ACC).

    Statutory Liability
    Statutory Liability will cover you for insurable fines, penalties, or reparations that you are ordered to make by the Courts. The environment is highly regulated in New Zealand which means that if your company or organisation unintentionally breaches an Act of Parliament like the Health and Safety at Work Act, the Consumer Guarantees Act, the Building Act, the Privacy Act, the Resource Management Act, or the Fair Trading Act, you could be held liable.

    Employers Liability
    Employers' liability is designed to protects employers against claims brought against them or the business by their employees who have sustained an injury in the course of their employment where Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) does not provide cover. Cover is extended to settlements or damages including defence costs, as a result of an employee suffering bodily injury arising out of their employment.

  • How do I purchase additional insurance products?

    Contact BMS for a quote on 0800 999 267 or via email, nzoha@bmsgroup.com.