Full Description of Policy and Rates

The AAO endorsed Professional Liability Insurance Program. Designed For Orthodontists, By Orthodontists.

Limits Up To $5,000,000
You choose the limits of liability you wish, with options of $1,000,000/$1,000,000 or $1,000,000/$3,000,000. Higher limits up to $5,000,000 are available upon acceptance. And, the AAOIC plan will coordinate with a State Patient's Compensation Fund where applicable.

 

"Occurrence" and "Claims-made" Coverage Available
You may select from two policy forms:

The Occurrence  form covers claims reported while the policy is in force or after your policy lapses, as long as claims result from treatment rendered while the policy was in force; or,

The Claims-Made form covers claims reported while the policy is in force. It does not cover claims reported after the policy has lapsed or is cancelled. This may require the purchase of extended reporting period (tail) coverage to protect for future claims; unless one of the following special features apply in providing "tail" coverage for you:

• Full retroactive coverage is available on your current claims-made policy, subject to underwriting approval. You must have continuous coverage under your current claims-made policies with no breaks in coverage. If approved, you may switch from your present claims-made policy to the AAOIC without paying for expensive tail coverage from your current insurer.
• Free "tail" coverage at retirement, death or permanent total disability at age 50 or older and after at least 4 years of continuous coverage with AAOIC.

Other Entity Coverage
Corporation or Partnership Coverage is automatically included within your policy limits at no extra charge. You may apply for separate limits for this entity for an additional premium. Coverage for your non-orthodontist employees is also included at no charge.

In Your Defense
The AAOIC program provides professional liability coverage to protect against covered sums you are obligated to pay as a result of damages arising from a malpractice suit.

If needed you will be provided with legal counsel. Legal fees in defense of a claim are covered, and are paid in excess and separate from your policy limits. In addition, legal representation may be provided if you must appear before a State Review to respond to a "medical incident" as defined in the policy.

Consent to Settle Provision
AAOIC will not settle any claims without the insured's consent. If the company recommends a settlement that you do not think is acceptable, you may refer the company's settlement recommendation to an appeal panel, appointed by the AAOIC. If the panel supports your position the company will be responsible for losses, beyond the proposed settlement offer, including expenses, up to the policy limit. If you still decide not to settle the claim, you will be responsible for any money awarded in excess of the original settlement recommendation.

Leave of Absence Benefit
If you have been insured for at least one year, and take a leave of absence from your practice for maternity leave, military duty, disability, or dependent care leave, your coverage will continue uninterrupted with a 50% premium reduction.

Special Discounts
If you are a new member applying within one year of completing your graduate orthodontic training from an ADA/CDA accredited program, you will receive premium reductions for the first three years after graduation.

A rate reduction of 50% is available if you are a full-time faculty member or if you qualify as a part-time practitioner, practicing less than 20 hours per week.

A 10% premium credit is offered if you participate in an approved AAO Risk Management program.

Please note that the maximum discount available per policy year is 50%.

A Benefit of Your AAO Membership
You are eligible to apply for coverage if you are an AAO member engaged solely in the practice of orthodontics and licensed in the state where you practice.

Each application is individually underwritten. Prior claims history must be disclosed on your application and will be considered in approving coverage.

Coverage is available in the United States, and District of Columbia.

For more information, please call toll-free:

1-800-622-0344