ABSTRACT

Although a few doctors make a full-time living from insurance work, most GPs use it to supplement their NHS income, and an average GP may add £2000 per annum from this source to his salary. Most of the requests addressed to GPs concern life assurance benefits, for which medical information is required. These simple forms are called private medical attendant reports (PMARs). The PMAR and the independent medical examination (IME) are always returned to the insurance company's chief medical officer. Most requests for medical information will relate to life assurance benefits. For a regular monthly premium, an applicant is able to obtain insurance cover payable at a future age or on death. The insurance company will want clinical evidence when it is asked to pay out sickness benefits, which could be a lump sum under a critical illness policy or regular monthly payments up to normal retirement age under a sickness policy.