A. Every decision made at HUOH is focused on what is best for our physician owner-policyholders. Consider this: we do not have shareholders who expect profits (HUOH is non-profit). Any profit above losses will be returned to owner-policyholders in the form of dividends or reduced premiums (subject to state regulatory approval). We take an aggressive posture on claims. In short, HUOH exists only to serve the best interests of its owner-policyholders.

Q. How can I be certain HUOH is financially strong?

A. Financial strength and integrity are the cornerstones of HUOH’s formation. Our company is capitalized using a 1:1 (one to one) ratio of premium dollar to capitalization dollar. This is a highly conservative method of capitalization. We chose this method because we wanted HUOH to be built upon a rock solid financial base.

In addition to our solid capitalization model, HUOH has secured high quality reinsurance to protect from catastrophic losses. HUOH has selected only “A -” rated, or better, reinsurance companies.

Q: How are Board members selected?

A: HUOH’s owner-policyholders have complete autonomy in the nomination and election of their board representatives. Each year, every owner-policyholder is given the opportunity to nominate and vote for the leadership of their choice. Typically, one-third of the board will come up for re-election each year.

Q. How will I know if the premiums I pay are fair?

A. HUOH’s board of directors—doctors just like you—will review premium recommendations from independent actuaries. Those recommendations will be based specifically on loss experience in Ohio. After a review of the data, your elected colleagues will select the rates to be approved by the Ohio Department of Insurance. Every attempt is made to establish the appropriate rate for each specialty.  Should loss experience prove to be better than expected, excess premiums can be returned to owner-policyholders (with the approval of the Board and the Department of Insurance).

Q. Why does HUOH use insurance agents?  Couldn’t we save money by insuring doctors without agents?

A. There are basically two ways to build an insurance company – directly or through the use of qualified agents.  It has been our experience that both distribution models develop similar costs.  Unlike other lines of insurance, the sale of professional liability protection is not a process that can be automated.

It takes time and complete communication to tell the HUOH story and to help a doctor/group through the underwriting process.  To develop a successful direct sales department that could properly serve physicians throughout the state, HUOH would have to hire well qualified staff and spend a great deal more money on such things as marketing, advertisement, travel and entertainment (all costs currently borne to a large extent by our appointed agents).   Our time and energy would be spent working to take business away from well qualified agents – a potentially costly battle.

We have been able to quickly and cost effectively provide superior service to doctors throughout the state by carefully selecting agents that 1. are highly experienced in medical malpractice insurance, and 2. have a demonstrated history of putting their doctors/clients interests ahead of their own.

Q. What does it mean when I hear that HUOH is “non-assessable”?

A. “Non-assessable” means that HUOH’s physician policyholders will not be “assessed” to pay additional premium dollars if losses are greater than expected. To protect against extraordinary losses, HUOH has secured high quality reinsurance.

Q. How will dividends be paid?

A. Any available dividend dollars may be returned to owner-policyholders in the form of a dividend payment or a reduction in future premiums. State insurance regulators must approve any dividend payment or premium reduction.

Q. What is a tail policy or tail coverage?

A. A tail insurance policy is additional insurance coverage that covers any claims made after a claims-made policy expires or is cancelled. Since most healthcare providers carry claims made insurance policies, tail insurance provides important protection against claims that could be made months or even years after care was provided to a patient.

Q: Does HUOH provide free tail coverage?

A. HUOH provides free tail coverage to retiring owner-policyholders who have been a policyholder for at least five consecutive years. Tail coverage is also free for owner-policyholders with an active policy who become disabled or deceased.

Q: What are prior acts or “nose” coverage?

A: Prior acts, or nose insurance coverage, protects a doctor from a prior act (treatment rendered to a patient), but not reported as a claim until after the doctor’s previous policy expires or was terminated.
HUOH offers prior act coverage to owner-policyholders who meet our underwriting criteria to purchase this coverage.

Q: Does HUOH participate in the Ohio guaranty fund?

A: Yes

Q: How do I get an application processed?

A: HUOH works with independent agents throughout the state.
If you would like to have an agent contact you to start the application process, click here.

Q: What types of policies does HUOH offer?

A: HU follows the national standard for medical professional liability insurance and offers claims-made policies.

Q: What limits of liability are available?

A: In Ohio, HUOH offers annual limits of $1 million with up to $2 million available. Additional limits and specific needs of large medical groups will be considered upon request. Aggregate Limits are availiable.

Q. Does HUOH insure all medical specialties?

A. Yes. HUOH accepts applications from qualified physicians from any specialty and any part of the state.  Appropriate premiums are charged for each specialty.  The objective is to apply a downward pressure on rates by insuring good doctors and defending them aggressively, regardless of specialty or location.

Q. Does HUOH insure medical office staff and nurse practitioners?

A: Yes; however we do not offer separate limits for ancillary personnel.

Q: Do I pay my capital contribution and premium at the same time?

A: Insurance coverage does not become effective until both capital and premium are paid. In some situations, a physician will make the capital contribution first to establish ownership in HUOH. He or she may make the premium payment at a later date when ready for coverage to commence. There are several pre approved financing options available located here.

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