Why you need your student indemnity insurance

Tuesday, 30 Jun 2026

Starting medical school is exciting. But it also means stepping into a world of real patients, real responsibility – and real risk. 

Your university will give you some indemnity cover while you study. That's a great starting point. But there are gaps in that cover that could leave you exposed. Avant Student Indemnity Insurance is designed to help fill those gaps. 

Here's a look at the situations where your own policy could make a real difference. 

Placement errors

Clinical placements are valuable, but they don't always run smoothly, even with a supervising doctor by your side. If a claim is made against you involving a private patient, your university's policy may not cover you in every situation. Avant can step in where your university cover falls short. 

Complaints and coronial matters

If a patient dies during a placement you've been involved in, an official inquiry may follow. This can be an incredibly stressful experience. Avant can cover your legal costs in these situations – including disciplinary hearings, coronial inquiries, and criminal investigations where your university policy doesn't provide cover.

Overseas incidents

Heading overseas for an elective is a fantastic opportunity. But if something goes wrong at the hospital where you're working, you'll want to know you're protected. Avant can cover your legal defence anywhere outside the USA.

Voluntary clinical placements

Sometimes you might want to do a voluntary placement outside your regular course requirements – perhaps you've won a prize that includes a placement opportunity. Avant can cover you for these, as long as you're supervised by a registered doctor and the placement is in Australia.

Good Samaritan acts

Most medical students would instinctively help if they saw someone in trouble, whether that's on a bus, at the roadside, or in a shopping centre. If you step in to help and something doesn't go to plan, Avant covers you. This applies in Australia and overseas. It's cover your university may not provide outside university-related activities.

Communicable diseases

This is one of those areas nobody likes to think about. But if you contract HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C during your studies, Avant can help fund significant retraining. We hope you'll never need it, but it's reassuring to know it's there.

Want to find out more?

If you'd like to learn more about what's included in your Avant Student Indemnity Insurance Policy, our Member Services team is happy to help. Call us on 1800 128 268 or email memberservices@avant.org.au.

Please note
Avant student indemnity insurance cover is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy. Please read and consider the policy wording Avant - Medical Student Indemnity Insurance Policy.

Student indemnity insurance is issued by Avant Insurance Limited, ABN 82003 707 471, AFSL 238 765. Please read the policy wording for full details of the terms, conditions and exclusions that apply