If you are a doctor working as a locum, then you are part of an increasing number of people who do just that. Working as a locum has a lot of benefits, not the least of which is that you can work when you want to and not work if you don’t want to. So, you can take time off to suit you and then find another locum position when you need to earn.

Working as a locum has other benefits as well, if you are single and fancy free, because you can work in different parts of the country and explore the neighbourhood in your time off. Of course, this is not so easy if you are married and have a family. Even so, there are very likely to be positions available near to your home since a recent survey found that some 20% of GPs said that locums covered as much as a quarter of their sessions. In all, 50% of GP practices said that they were increasingly reliant on locums, so there is plenty of work available.

Locums can work in GP practices or in hospitals, but those working in GP surgeries are better off than those in hospitals. This is because locums in hospitals are paid a salary, and tax and insurance are deducted at source.

Working In GP Practices You Are Often Self-Employed

Locums working in GP practices are often self-employed, although some may be employed through an agency. Those who work direct for a surgery, like any other self-employed individual, are allowed to claim for expenses. This can include running your car, printing, postage, telephone costs, accountancy fees, and the cost of staying away from home where applicable, so this can make a big reduction in the amount of tax that is payable at the end of the year.

Working directly for a GP surgery means that it is possible to negotiate the rate of pay on an individual basis, and this will mean that a locum will usually be better paid than the resident doctors.

Of course, accounts have to be submitted to HMRC at the end of each year, and it is possible to agree the various expenses incurred with them. Once this has been set up, it will usually apply to the following years unless there is any major change.

One thing to note, of course, is that when self-employed there may be times when no work is available.

Whichever way you decide to work, one thing that is necessary is doctor locum insurance. This will cover you for things such as sickness and accident if you are unable to work, so at least you will still have an income. There are also other things that you can include on a doctor locum insurance policy such as being called up for jury service, paternity leave, maternity leave, having to look after a sick relative, suspension, revalidation, and more.

At Approachable Locum Insurance we understand the position that you are in and what may affect you, and we will design and tailor a policy that will cover your individual requirements.