Planning parental leave: what doctors need to know

Planning parental leave takes time and preparation. It’s crucial to start preparations at least six months ahead, if possible, to ensure smooth transitions for you and your patients. With various medical indemnity options and government support available, early planning helps you navigate professional requirements more easily. 

Timeline for planning 

Six months 

Start talking to your patients about your upcoming absence. This is especially important in general practice or specialist care. Early notification gives patients time to arrange alternative care if needed. 

Confirm your plans and dates with your employer and/or practice. If you're in a training programme, you should also notify your college or training provider so they can help with rotation and examination adjustments if required. 

Three months 

Start to consider and apply for government benefits through MyGov. Plus, you may wish to check your eligibility for the Parental Leave Pay programme on the Services Australia website. 

As your leave approaches, it is important to update your medical indemnity arrangements. This will give you enough time to consider the options available to you. 

One month 

With a month to go, your focus should shift to practical handover preparation. Work with your practice to finalise patient follow-up lists, recall processes, and cover arrangements. Also prepare a contingency handover in case your leave starts earlier than planned. 

Medical indemnity options 

You have several medical indemnity choices depending on your circumstances. 

1. Run-off Cover 

The government's Run-off Cover Scheme (ROCS) provides cover for past practice at no additional cost for practitioners on maternity leave. You cannot provide healthcare while covered under this option. Find out more on the Avant website. 

2. Change of category 

You can choose to move to a non-practising category which costs roughly $80 per policy period. This option maintains your Avant member benefits including access to the Medico-legal Advisory Service, the Retirement Reward Plan, Avant Travel Cover, and Loyalty Reward Plan – you also cannot provide healthcare while using this option. 

3. Modify your billings 

Planning locum work during leave? You can modify your gross annual billings to reflect any healthcare you may provide, this includes telehealth and locum work where covered under your indemnity policy. This option maintains flexibility with appropriate cover while on parental leave. 

Contact Avant on 1800 128 268 to discuss which option suits your situation. 

Professional obligations 

Your professional responsibilities continue during leave, and you should consider the following: 

• Contact Ahpra about recency of practice requirements and how to maintain this on leave. You may be eligible for reduced registration fees during your absence. 
• If taking extended leave of six months or more, you may qualify for CPD exemptions. 
• Create a comprehensive handover document. Cover ongoing patient care, pending test results and colleague contacts. 
• Solo specialists should arrange colleague coverage. All practitioners need clear communication plans for handling calls and enquiries. 

Personal planning 

Beyond professional obligations, personal preparation ensures smoother transitions: 

• Make decisions about birth preferences, leave duration and private health insurance for yourself and your baby. Build an emergency fund for unexpected costs. 
• Consider childcare options early, if relevant. Many centres have lengthy waitlists. 
• After your baby arrives, register the birth and link them to Medicare. Contact your private health insurer to ask about cover for yourself and your baby, and waiting periods. 
• Review your estate planning and personal insurance needs. 

Planning your return 

Make sure you update your medical indemnity provider before returning to work so you have appropriate cover from day one. You should also communicate with your employer and training provider about your return date and discuss any requirements for support or flexible arrangements that may be needed. 

Your return is an opportunity to evaluate your career direction. If considering private practice, Avant's Risk Advisory Services team can help plan the transition through Avant Assist. 

There are premium support schemes available which may be relevant to assist with the cost of medical indemnity. You may be eligible for additional premium support through the government's Premium Support Scheme. Contact Avant to understand your eligibility. 

Support services 

Your Avant membership includes complimentary support services throughout your parental leave journey. 

The Personal Support Programme provides confidential counselling anytime you need it. The Medico-legal Advisory Service addresses questions about professional obligations. Risk Advisory Services can help with practice transitions and career planning. 

If you experience pregnancy loss, Stillbirth Foundation Australia provides specialised grief support. They also offer resources for navigating return to work.