The medical malpractice landscape has shifted, leading to an increase in claims and driving innovation in indemnity insurance. In South Africa, rising patient awareness and legislative changes have led to more lawsuits, pressuring healthcare and insurance sectors.

As some insurers withdrew due to high risks, new malpractice products have emerged, tailored to South African medical professionals. Recent changes to the Road Accident Fund (RAF) have also redirected legal focus to medical malpractice, leaving doctors more exposed to litigation. Additionally, declining healthcare quality and aggressive legal advertising have fueled the claims surge.

Healthcare professionals have responded by practicing defensive medicine, which can increase patient costs. To address this, insurers offer policies with flexible coverage, though these premiums are often passed on to patients.

Amid this complex landscape, innovative solutions like Patient Cover™ have emerged, streamlining the claims process and facilitating quicker settlements. This approach benefits patients and practitioners, supporting a more balanced and efficient healthcare ecosystem.