Who Needs Allied Health Professional Indemnity?

In all areas of healthcare, including inside, alongside and outside of the NHS, allied health professionals play an essential role in supporting healthcare services. They are made up of a diverse group of professionals that work across hospitals, communities, patients’ homes and clinics.
Within the NHS alone, Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) “make up the third largest clinical workforce” (1), which suggest just how essential these clinicians are to keeping the UK healthcare system operational.
Qualifying as an AHP can take time, skill and patience as many of the professions will require a relevant degree to register yourself as an AHP. Each profession will come with its own risk factors depending on the setting and type of activities. MIAB is able to advise on an AHP’s risks within their job role and provide them with adequate Professional Indemnity (sometimes referred to as Medical Malpractice Insurance for healthcare professionals) so that they can provide care with peace of mind.

Types of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs)

AHPs will typically fall into either a Therapeutic Role, Diagnostic & Technical Role, Emergency & Surgical Role or a Mental Health & Wellbeing Role. As of June 2026, the NHS recognises 15 different healthcare professions which make up the umbrella term ‘Allied Health Professional’. This includes (1):

• Art Therapist
• Diagnostic Radiographer
• Dietician/Nutritionist
• Drama Therapist
• Music Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Operating Department Practitioner
• Orthoptist
• Osteopath
• Paramedic
• Physiotherapist
• Podiatrist
• Prosthetist/Orthotist
• Speech and Language Therapist
• Radiographer

Of course, this may be subject to change as both the industry and technology make natural advances. You also do not have to be providing any NHS services in order to be considered an Allied Healthcare Professional.

What is Professional Indemnity Insurance?

Professional Indemnity insurance is a broad form of liability cover for professionals across many industries who provide professional advice or services which could inadvertently lead to poor advice, misrepresentation, breach of duty and ultimately financial loss.
Professional Indemnity Insurance is sometimes referred to as Medical Malpractice Insurance for healthcare professionals, including AHPs. Medical Malpractice occurs when a hospital, doctor or other health care professional, through a negligent act or omission, causes an injury to a patient.

Who needs Professional Indemnity Insurance?

Most AHPs will legally require a form of Professional Indemnity/Medical Malpractice Insurance from their regulator or institution.
Even if your profession does not have a regulator or institution, individual due diligence should always be taken to make sure you are covered appropriately as Professional Indemnity claims can be both financially and emotionally devastating.
Below is a summary of what Professional Indemnity may already be provided for Allied Health Professionals and when additional cover is needed.

NHS Allied Healthcare Professionals

AHPs operating solely for the NHS can utilise state-backed schemes such as the Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice (2) in the event a claim is made against the professional from a patient.

NHS & Additional Private Services

Many AHPs choose to undertake private work outside of the NHS remit. For any NHS services, a state-backed scheme should still apply, but strictly for any claims made against the professional during those services.
Any claims made from a patient or client from a service that was done privately, such as consultancy or freelance domiciliary care, will not be covered by the state-backed scheme.
AHPs who are mixing between NHS and private services have a couple of options for their Professional Indemnity Insurance so that they remain compliant in all aspects of their work. You are able to book an initial conversation with a MIAB specialist insurance adviser to explore the options available to you.

Private Healthcare Professionals

AHPs who are solely providing private services will not be able to access the state-backed scheme. They will most likely need to source their own Professional Indemnity/Medical Malpractice Insurance and provide proof of this to their regulator, if they have one.
If you are a Private Healthcare Professional who is self-employed or run your own organisation, a Professional Indemnity Policy may not be enough to be appropriately covered.

Speaking to a Specialist Insurance Broker

Any Allied Healthcare Professionals who require greater clarity around the scope of their activity in respect of the type of cover required should speak to a specialist healthcare insurance broker who is able to understand your professions unique risks and detail any exposure.
MIAB have a team of Medical Malpractice experts who are well equipped to handle a range of enquiries from both individuals and organisations. If you need to speak to a member of our team, make sure to contact them today for a free no-obligation consultation regarding your insurance requirements.