Cyprus proposes mandatory medical negligence insurance for doctors

Nicosia, Cyprus. The Health Ministry is proposing mandatory liability insurance against professional negligence for doctors and has put draft regulations out for public consultation until 18 September 2026.

The draft Doctors (Medical Negligence Insurance) Regulations 2026 set out the professionals required to be insured, minimum coverage limits and policy requirements.

Who would need insurance

The proposed requirement covers self-employed and employed doctors, as well as doctor-owned companies.

It would also apply to doctors practising at an institution or hospital under a special licence, specialist doctors from abroad working in Cyprus under licence, and doctors temporarily providing services in Cyprus under the freedom to provide services.

The draft requires every doctor to be insured but does not specify that each doctor must hold an individual policy. Depending on employment arrangements and the final regulations, insurance could be provided through an employer’s or company policy.

Coverage limits

For doctors providing services as individuals, whether self-employed or employed, the proposed minimum coverage is €450,000 per incident and in total for each annual insurance period.

For doctor-owned companies, the proposed minimum limit is €900,000.

Policies would also have to provide at least €50,000 for legal defence costs, in addition to the base limit for compensation, claimant costs and interest. The deductible could be up to €5,000 per claim.

Definition and consultation

Medical negligence is defined in the draft as professional liability for physical or psychiatric harm, illness or death of a patient resulting from a negligent act, error or omission in medical practice.

Members of the public can submit comments and suggestions through the e-Consultation platform until 18 September 2026.