Dear Simon.

Thank you for contributing to the Pilotmag blog , especially since your post raises some important points that indicate that some clarification of the insurance element of UKMPA membership is required.
The insurance policies for UKPA (as it then was) members were introduced sometime in the early 1980’s as a result of claims arising against pilots who naturally turned to their professional association for help which resulted in the cash reserves of the association being eroded. An insurance policy specifically tailored for pilots was introduced with the Navigators & General Insurance company as a result of the association responding to the requirements and wishes of the membership. The premiums were incorporated into the general subscription and were accepted by all members as providing not only good value for money but also the peace of mind that comes from knowing that should the worst happen their legal defence costs would be covered. Since then there have been many who have benefitted from the cover provided and nobody ever complained.
In the early 2000’s two things happened. Firstly, the N&G insurers withdrew the policy as part of a corporate business restructuring. At the same time the UKMPA was advised that under the recently enacted Financial Services Act including the insurance premiums in the general membership subscription was not permitted as it effectively placed the UKMPA as an unlicensed financial services provider. It was therefore necessary to make the premiums a separate element paid directly to the insurers. The dedication and hard work of the UKMPA Section Committee resulted in an enhanced policy for pilots being sourced and negotiated at a very competitive group rate which was subsequently proposed to and accepted by members (by a significant majority) at a conference vote. The new premiums were higher due to the enhanced nature of the cover so two levels of cover were offered to members.
For some inexplicable reason a few members decided that a professional association providing specialist insurance cover for members was unacceptable and considered that the requirement for all members to participate in order to enjoy a group discount in premiums amounted to blackmail and decided to resign their membership.
The majority of members understood how a group insurance policy works and a campaign by a minority of members of presenting resolutions to remove the insurance as a requirement for membership was repeatedly voted out by the democratic process of majority voting at several conferences, unanimously on the last occasion. Currently several members are extremely relieved to have the legal protection insurance provided to members by the policies and the rest of us are realistic enough to understand that we aren’t invincible and are reassured to know that cover is there should we ever need it. The Chairman and committee keep a very close watch on the level of cover provided and the premiums demanded and annually re-negotiate with the underwriters to obtain the best possible deal for members.
Information from members on any alternative equivalent policies available that they might become aware of is always most welcome.
It is also worth mentioning here that due to similar concerns over the increasing criminalisation of professional mariners other maritime professional associations are offering group insurance although the level of cover is very low compared to that offered by the UKMPA.