There seems to be a leedle bit of confusion over the perceived lack of ‘death in service’ benefits for GP locums. The BMA has recently flagged this up as an issue apparently because on the flu pandemic – something that leaves us here at NASGP a little confused, but I’m sure there’s a good reason somewhere.
Hopefully, we can clarify the situation for you thanks to our friends at the NHSBSA.
Freelance GP locums doget death cover from the NHSPS, even though they may not be tied to a particular PCT/LHB. If [a locum] were contracted to work at a GP Practice as a freelance GP Locum from Monday to Friday however died on the Wednesday you (or rather your family) would get the full death in service benefits; i.e. the same as a GP Provider would. This includes a death gratuity which would be based on twice your average uprated (dynamised) GP Locum pensionable income. A widow’s pension and child allowance may also be payable.