MEDEFEND: Medical malpractice insurance for doctors and dentists in Hong Kong

Defending doctors and dentists everyday

What is MEDEFEND?

MEDEFEND is a comprehensive medical malpractice insurance scheme that provides holistic indemnity coverage for individual medical practitioners across all specialties in Hong Kong, protecting them against actual or alleged claims of malpractice or negligence.

The scheme is tailor-made to meet the long-term and evolving needs of medical practitioners. It provides access to some of the best medico-legal advisors available, and a dedicated team manages the scheme to ensure all claims and notifications are handled competently and professionally.

What are the benefits of MEDEFEND for doctors and dentists in Hong Kong?

MEDEFEND is a holistic indemnity scheme insured by Hong Kong-domiciled insurers regulated by the Hong Kong Insurance Authority (HKIA), with a financial rating (S&P) of “A” or higher.

Medical incident claims cover civil liability proceedings, including settlements, legal costs, defence costs, and other reasonable expenses arising from a medical incident.
Legal representation expenses at inquiries.
Free lifetime run-off cover for retired or permanently and totally disabled practitioners if they have been insuring with the insurers’ medical malpractice (MM) program for three years or more.
Retroactive cover. For transfers from MPS, this includes retroactive cover from the date of policy inception.
Worldwide jurisdiction. The territorial limit is extended outside Hong Kong for overseas professional healthcare services during any one insurance period, limited to 180 days for China (including Greater Bay Area) and 120 days for the rest of the world. The maximum number of days in any one 12-month period is 180 days.
Covers clinical activities and telemedicine services.
Covers Good Samaritan Acts, volunteer work (worldwide), overseas practice (with a maximum of 120 days per year), teaching, researching, appearances as expert witnesses, and more.
Additional cover is available and includes cyber and privacy infringement, defamation, reputation protection costs and counselling costs, loss of documents, and molestation and intoxication defence costs.

Which insurers does MEDEFEND work with?

MEDEFEND is supported by a panel of insurers, including Chubb Insurance Hong Kong Limited (the lead insurer), Allied World Assurance Company Ltd, and QBE Hongkong & Shanghai Insurance Ltd. This diversified panel provides a strong and sustainable structure, spreading financial risk and reducing reliance on a single insurer.

The panel approach offers several advantages, such as risk distribution and flexibility. It allows Marsh to maintain a stable MEDEFEND product that can adapt to changes in each insurer’s underwriting appetite. We selected these insurers based on our strong trading relationships and their proven track record in handling claims, including in the area of medical malpractice.

How does MEDEFEND differ from discretionary indemnity?

MEDEFEND provides contractual certainty and regulatory oversight, while discretionary indemnity can be effective but is inherently less predictable due to its discretionary nature.

Aspect	MEDEFEND (contract-based insurance)	Discretionary indemnity
Contract structure	Defined, legally binding policy. Coverage terms and exclusions are clearly stated, and disputes can be resolved in court.	Governed by the provider’s articles of association. Decisions on indemnity are made at the provider’s discretion, with no guaranteed outcome.
Regulatory oversight	Underwritten by licensed insurers and regulated by the Hong Kong Insurance Authority.	Generally not regulated by the Hong Kong Insurance Authority.
Distribution & purchase	Arranged via Marsh, a regulated broker with professional obligations to represent insured doctors’ interests.	Typically purchased directly from the provider or associations, often without a regulated intermediary.
Financial ratings	Backed by insurers rated by agencies such as Standard & Poor’s and AM Best.	Most discretionary indemnity providers do not carry formal credit ratings, making financial strength less transparent.
Claims support	Access to insurers’ experienced legal defence panels.	Historically reliable in many cases, but providers may rely on similar legal advisors while retaining discretion in final decisions.
Policy limits	Clearly stated. Doctors can select and pay for the coverage level that meets their needs.	Limits are usually undefined (except for O&Gs), flexible, or set at the provider's discretion, which makes direct comparisons more difficult.

Why Marsh

In Hong Kong, Marsh has been the appointed broker for the Hospital Authority for 30 years. Since 2018, we have provided disciplinary proceedings protection for over 8,000 public doctors and dentists, and delivered broking services for 13 private hospitals. Across Asia, Marsh has insured more than 50,000 healthcare professionals, reflecting our deep experience and commitment to the healthcare sector.

If you are a client in Hong Kong, please note that Marsh (Hong Kong) Limited (license no. FB1015) is authorised and regulated by the Hong Kong Insurance Authority, with our registered address -Suite 3402-3406 & 33/F One Taikoo Place, 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong.

Protect your medical practice

Contact us to learn more about MEDEFEND.

FAQs

How do I apply for MEDEFEND?	Visit the MEDEFEND online portal. Follow the steps on-screen to receive a quotation within one to two working days. Please note that separate underwriting is required if the doctor has a history of claims, which may take additional time.
What are the panel law firms for MEDEFEND?	Our panel law firms are Howse Williams, JSM, and Kennedys — all of which are recognised leaders in medico-legal cases in the region. These firms specialise in medico-legal cases, claims, inquests, and disciplinary inquiries. The Marsh team can guide you to the firm that may be the best fit for your situation.
What is Marsh’s role in supporting MEDEFEND?	Marsh is the broker for MEDEFEND and is responsible for managing the administration (e.g. new applications, renewals, general inquiries), broking (e.g. negotiating premiums, terms and conditions of the policy), and assisting insureds with day-to-day claims management, settlements, and advice.
What is the recommended limit of liability?	MEDEFEND does not enforce a minimum limit. However, some private hospitals and clinics may require their specialists to carry a certain amount — often in the HK$100–150 million range. It is wise to confirm your hospital’s credentialing requirements and choose your coverage accordingly.
Will my MEDEFEND policy cover my practice if I make a policy switch?	Yes. If you previously had a claims-made policy, MEDEFEND can provide coverage back to an unlimited retroactive date — effectively securing protection for past incidents. If you switch from a loss occurrence or discretionary indemnity arrangement, your MEDEFEND policy typically begins covering claims from the date it incepts so you are never left unprotected between policies.
How long will the policy cover me after I retire from practice?	Three years or more on MEDEFEND: If you permanently cease practice after being insured under MEDEFEND for at least three consecutive years, you typically receive run-off coverage at no extra cost, protecting you against future claims related to your prior practice. Less than three years on MEDEFEND: You can continue your coverage until the normal policy expiry date, then opt to purchase extended run-off protection (e.g. three years, six years, or up to 21 years) by paying an additional premium. Premiums for retirees vary depending on how long you have been insured and the extra run-off duration you select.
Does MEDEFEND cover telemedicine services when my patient is not located in the same country or region as the doctor or healthcare provider?	Yes. To ensure coverage, your telemedicine services must comply with the Hong Kong Medical Council’s Ethical Guidelines on Practice of Telemedicine, and you must be licensed to practice in the territory where you are providing care. Additionally, the policy extends coverage to insured individuals practicing in the People’s Republic of China who provide telemedicine services to patients in Hong Kong.
Does MEDEFEND cover me for overseas practice, training, and professional visits, including practicing in the Greater Bay Area?	Yes. It provides up to 180 days of coverage per year in the Greater Bay Area and 120 days in other countries. For claims in the USA or Canada, coverage is capped at HKD20 million in the aggregate (or less if your main policy limit is lower). If you need longer coverage, Marsh’s team can assist with this pending insurer review and potential added premiums.
When should I report a claim, potential claim, or circumstances that could lead to a claim?	Please report any claims, potential claims, or circumstances that might lead to a claim as soon as you become aware of them. Prompt reporting ensures you receive the support you need and are protected if the situation develops adversely in the future. Do not admit liability. Instead, contact Marsh immediately for advice. Our team will assist in notifying your insurers and arranging proper legal guidance. If an admission or apology is warranted, your lawyer and insurers recognise that proactive and open dialogue can often prevent escalation and safeguard your reputation. With MEDEFEND being an insurance arrangement based in Hong Kong, the Marsh team is equipped to respond quickly. If you are uncertain about whether to report a situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to Marsh for impartial guidance. When notifying Marsh, provide a description of the claim, events, or circumstances, details of the parties involved, and copies of any written demands, assertions, or legal documents initiating proceedings once they are available.

Contact

FINPRO Healthcare Practice Marsh (Hong Kong) Limited
Suite 3402-3406 & 33F,
One Taikoo Place, 979 King's Road,
Quarry Bay, HONG KONG

For MEDEFEND queries:
Phone: +852 6822 7071 / +852 6658 9351
(Hours: 9AM to 6PM, Monday – Friday, except public holidays)
Email: medefend.hk@marsh.com