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If you run a healthcare business, you might know it comes with a range of challenges and risks. 

From physical therapy clinics to chiropractic offices, these practices face a number of potential liabilities.

And these can have significant financial and reputational consequences. 

In this guide, we explore some of the common insurance covers healthcare businesses should consider. 

But first, let’s look at a case study that shows how insurance can work in healthcare. 

Dr S Tarek Shalabi is Cosmetic Doctor Brisbane’s owner and co-founder. The business specialises in non-surgical cosmetic medicine. As a medical practice, the firm is required to carry public liability and professional indemnity insurance. As an injectables cosmetic clinic, contents insurance is also a must, given the high-value nature of the product. 

The practice has never made a claim on its policies. Dr Shalabi credits this to the resources his medical indemnity insurer has in place to help prevent a situation from arising where he would need to make a claim.

“They are extremely helpful in situations where we would like to discuss a complex situation, for example, in cases where we have specific requests from patients which deviate from our normal practice,” says Dr Shalabi.

“They have a full team of doctors and medicolegal professionals available 24/7, in addition to a multitude of online guides, resources and case studies,” he says. 

“They provide a great platform to discuss cases where there may be no immediate ‘right answers’ and provide us reassurance and backing when making decisions. On multiple occasions, they have guided us through the correct course of action to provide the best outcomes for our patients and to reduce the risk of a claim,” he adds.

“Healthcare businesses are exposed to a range of different risks that range from everything from malpractice claims to property damage and even theft”

What are the main insurances healthcare businesses may need? 

Given the nature of their work, healthcare businesses are exposed to a range of different risks. These include everything from malpractice claims to property damage and even theft. 

So, it’s important for businesses operating in the healthcare sector to have a well-thought-out risk management strategy, including appropriate insurance policies. Let’s take a look at some of the main policies healthcare businesses may need.

Professional indemnity insurance

Healthcare businesses are at risk of being sued by patients if they believe a healthcare professional has provided substandard care or has been negligent in their treatment, resulting in harm or injury.

This cover helps to protect healthcare professionals from claims related to errors, omissions or negligence in providing their services. It can cover legal defence costs, settlements and judgments.

Public liability insurance

This type of insurance  provides protection for property damage and personal injury claims arising from accidents that occur on the business premises or as a result of business operations. 

“This type of cover is essential for protecting against risks such as slip-and-fall accidents and equipment malfunctions,” says Steadfast’s Broker Technical Manager, Michael White.Recommended readingsHow Australian businesses can get staff back to the office

Business pack insurance

This protects the physical assets of a business, including the building, equipment, furniture and supplies, against perils such as fire, theft or vandalism. It can also provide cover for business interruption if the premises become temporarily unusable. In the case of cosmetic injectables, if they need to be kept in cold storage, the business would need to take out cover for deterioration of stock in cold storage. 

Workers’ compensation insurance

If the health business has employees, workers’ compensation insurance is required by law. It provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. 

Cyber insurance

In today’s digital world, like most other businesses healthcare businesses are increasingly vulnerable to data breaches and cyberattacks. Cyber liability insurance helps cover the costs associated with data breaches, including legal expenses, notification and credit monitoring services and potential liability for compromised patient information.

Do you have the right cover? 

A risk management strategy, including the right insurance, is essential for every healthcare business. 

Talk to your broker today to find out more.

Property can be an excellent long-term investment, but it doesn’t come without risks.

There can be a chance your tenants may default on the rent, steal items from the property or cause damage that their bond may not cover.

The rental income you rely on to pay the mortgage could disappear if a natural disaster renders the premises uninhabitable for an extended period of time.

That’s where landlord insurance comes in.

A specialised form of cover designed to protect property owners who rent out commercial or residential spaces by mitigating some of the most common risks associated with being a landlord.

While having a landlord insurance policy is not mandatory, it’s highly recommended by real estate professionals and financial specialists who’ve seen landlords suffer significant losses and hardship from tenant-related events.

What’s typically covered in a landlord insurance policy? 

A landlord policy typically comprises a combination of building, contents and landlord insurance.

Property damages from natural disasters (such as fire, flooding and storms) are likely to be covered, as are possessions kept on the rental premises for maintenance purposes, such as tools and gardening equipment.

The landlord component of the policy typically covers loss of rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable. This could happen as the result of a covered event, rent default, damage or theft by tenants and their guests, liability in the event of an accident, and legal expenses, if necessary.

What landlord insurance doesn’t cover are the regular costs associated with being a landlord.

This could include construction defects, normal wear and tear, and ordinary expenses, such as plumber’s bills for clearing drains.

“The landlord component of the policy typically covers loss of rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable”

Paying for peace of mind 

Landlord insurance has proven a worthwhile investment for Rodney Holder, whose property portfolio includes a block of units in the central Queensland town of Rockhampton as well as houses in Canberra and Brisbane.

His policy covered the cost of making good the damage caused by one less-than-careful tenant in his Canberra property, including torn curtains, a hot pot burn mark on a newly laid floor and a broken door on a new oven.

“As with any insurance, you’re paying for peace of mind,” Holder says. “It’s also tax deductible and a cost of doing business.”

Other claims can be significantly larger, warns Jo Napoli, the Principal of real estate agency The Rental Specialists.

She recently helped a client evict squatters from their investment property and says the bill for lost rent, new locks, damage to the premises and cleaning came to just under $10,000.

After being provided with a copy of the condition report, tenancy ledger, photographic evidence of the damage and invoices for repairs, the client’s insurer paid the claim within 14 days, Napoli says.Recommended readingsLaunching a new business in 2023

Cover when it counts 

If you’re a landlord or considering becoming one, it’s a good time to consider the benefits of landlord insurance. It could also be worth reviewing your level of cover to check it remains right for your circumstances.

Contact your broker today to discuss your unique insurance needs today.

Securing business insurance is one of the most crucial steps a company can take to protect itself from unexpected risks and losses. However, understanding the intricate landscape of insurance policies, coverages, and claims is no easy feat, particularly given Australia’s dynamic and complex business environment. 

This is where Business Insurance Consulting steps in, with its wealth of expertise and client-centric approach. They provide businesses with tailored insurance solutions that ensure their continued growth and stability.

A Snapshot of Australia’s Business Insurance Industry

In Australia, the insurance industry plays a significant role in the economy. According to a report from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the industry comprises 109 insurers, with a net profit after tax totalling AUD 4.5 billion in 2019. 

The most significant contributor to these figures is the general insurance segment, which includes business insurance, responsible for over 90% of gross written premiums.

Yet, despite its economic importance, the industry is not without its challenges. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) received 31,977 complaints about general insurance in the 2018-2019 period, many from businesses. 

This high number of disputes underscores the necessity for professional guidance when choosing insurance policies and managing claims – core services offered by Business Insurance Consulting.

Claims Assistance: A Vital Service

When an incident occurs that necessitates an insurance claim, businesses often find themselves in uncharted territory. The complex language and procedures involved in claims processing can be overwhelming. 

Business Insurance Consulting provides invaluable assistance during these times, helping businesses navigate the claims process, communicate with insurers, and ensure they receive a fair settlement. 

This support becomes particularly crucial in the face of complex or disputed claims, where Business Insurance Consulting’s industry insights and negotiation skills can directly influence the outcome.

Emerging Risk Trends in the Business Landscape

In an ever-evolving business environment, staying abreast of emerging risk trends is paramount. Factors such as technological advancements, legislative changes, and economic shifts all influence business risks and, consequently, insurance needs.

For instance, the sharp rise in cybercrime – a 60% increase in the first half of 2020, according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre – has made cyber insurance a critical component of business risk management.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of business interruption insurance, a previously overlooked aspect by many companies. These emerging trends underscore the need for specialised advice and customised insurance policies – a service at the heart of Business Insurance Consulting’s operations.

Risk Reduction: Beyond Insurance

Insurance is a safety net for when things go wrong. However, a proactive and comprehensive approach to risk management also involves taking preventative measures to minimise the risk of losses. 

Business Insurance Consulting not only helps businesses secure the right insurance cover but also advises on risk reduction strategies. This service can include recommending improved data security protocols or advising on workplace safety measures, both aimed at creating a safer and more secure business environment.

Securing the right business insurance isn’t just about mitigating risks – it’s about ensuring business continuity in an increasingly uncertain world. With their deep understanding of the Australian business insurance landscape and commitment to tailoring solutions to each client’s needs, Business Insurance Consulting is the ideal partner in this endeavour. 

Guided by expert insights and backed by robust Australian data, they ensure that your business makes informed decisions that safeguard its future.

Deciding between public liability and business liability insurance, or choosing to have both, is a significant decision that impacts your business’s security. At Business Insurance Consulting, we strive to make this decision-making process as straightforward as possible.

Our insurance experts understand the specific challenges of various industries, from retail and hospitality to manufacturing and IT services. Each industry comes with its unique set of risks, and therefore, requires a tailored insurance approach.

We offer personalised consultations, taking into consideration your business size, industry, risk factors, and specific needs to provide insurance advice that’s best suited to your situation.

Public Liability Insurance

Public liability insurance covers the costs if someone sues your business for causing injury or property damage. But it’s not just about accidents on your premises. Public liability insurance also covers incidents that happen elsewhere, as long as they’re in connection with your business activities.

For example, suppose you’re a contractor and accidentally cause damage to a client’s property while at work, or you’re a retailer, and a customer injures themselves by tripping over your stock. In both cases, public liability insurance would provide protection by covering legal and compensation costs.

Business Liability Insurance

Business liability insurance has a broader coverage, including public liability and several other risks associated with running a business. The broader coverage is why it’s often the preferred choice for larger businesses or those with higher risk factors.

An important inclusion in business liability insurance is product liability. If your business designs, manufactures, or sells products, there’s always a chance of these products causing harm or damage. Product liability coverage protects against claims made in such instances.

Another key aspect of business liability insurance is the coverage of operational risks. Every business operation has its risks, and when these lead to third-party injury or damage, your business liability insurance will provide coverage.

Balancing the Two

Understanding these insurance types and the specific coverages they provide allows you to better safeguard your business. In many instances, businesses may find that a combination of both public and business liability insurance gives them the most comprehensive coverage.

For example, a manufacturing business may opt for business liability insurance for its comprehensive coverage, including product liability, but also choose to add a public liability policy to ensure they’re adequately covered for customer-related incidents on their premises.

Insurance is a critical aspect of risk management for any business. Having the right coverage not only provides financial protection but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of your business.

At Business Insurance Consulting, we are committed to providing our clients with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their business insurance needs. Whether you’re a small start-up or a large corporation, understanding the difference between business liability and public liability insurance can be the first step towards better protecting your business.

In the end, it’s important to remember that insurance policies should be tailored to your business’s specific needs. No two businesses are the same, and therefore, their insurance needs will differ. At Business Insurance Consulting, we are here to help navigate these complexities, ensuring you have the right insurance coverage for your unique needs.

Case Studies for Better Understanding

To better understand the distinctions and applications of public and business liability insurance, let’s delve into some case studies.

Construction Company

A construction company runs high operational risks, especially concerning employee and third-party safety. In this case, business liability insurance offers broad coverage. It includes accidents on the construction site, damages due to construction activities, and potential faults in the buildings once handed over.

Retail Store

A retail store where customers are continuously present has high public interaction. Accidents like customers tripping over items or suffering from any mishaps within the store premises underline the necessity of public liability insurance. However, if the store also sells products of its own, a business liability policy covering product liability becomes crucial.

IT Company

An IT company offering software solutions has different liability considerations. While public liability might be lower, the business might still need business liability insurance for cases like a software glitch causing client business interruption.

Understanding the Premiums

One crucial aspect to consider while choosing between public and business liability insurance is the premium cost. Premiums for these insurances depend on several factors:

Business Nature: High-risk businesses, like construction or manufacturing companies, often have higher premiums.

Business Size: More extensive operations typically mean higher risk, translating into higher premiums.

Claim History: Businesses with a history of frequent insurance claims may face higher premiums.

Coverage Amount: Higher coverage limits lead to higher premiums.

Our team at Business Insurance Consulting guides clients to find the right balance between premium costs and coverage needs.

While business liability and public liability insurances are different, both are essential in protecting your business against unforeseen risks. The right insurance coverage helps in safeguarding your business assets, providing medical care for injured parties, and covering legal costs. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and business sustainability.
At Business Insurance Consulting, we prioritise educating our clients about different insurance types, enabling them to make informed decisions. We’re here to guide you through the complex insurance landscape, ensuring that your business is comprehensively covered against all potential risks.