What is the difference between occurrence and claims-made?

Occurrence membership means you can ask for our help at any point in the future as long as you were a member when the incident that led to the claim occurred - even if you've since left, retired or gone on a break, such as parental leave.

With claims-made, you have to have been a member (or policyholder) when the incident occurred and also still be a member (or policyholder) when the claim is brought. You must renew each year in order to stay indemnified for incidents that happened in previous years.

If you leave a claims-made arrangement, retire or go on a break, you won't be able to ask for assistance unless you've arranged extended reporting rights (sometimes known as run-off). There is usually a cost for this run-off.

This page was correct at publication on 13/05/2019. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.