- Cover for self-employed, locum and consulting biomedical scientists
- Tailored cover backed by an A-rated insurer
- Online quote in under 90 seconds
- Add Public Liability, Legal Expenses, Occupational Personal Accident, Office, Cyber Insurance and more
Whether you're working as a locum, in self-employed practice, providing UKAS lab assessments or carrying out consultancy outside your main role, your professional reputation deserves dedicated protection.
While NHS and private-sector employers usually cover treatment-related claims, that protection often doesn't extend to work you do independently.
Markel Direct is an award-winning* specialist insurer, providing tailored insurance solutions for self-employed professionals and small businesses across a wide range of sectors. Established in 1930 and part of the global Markel Group, Markel Direct combines specialist insurance expertise with a simple, digital customer experience. Trusted by over 75,000 customers across the UK, with cover backed by an A-rated insurer and customer service rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Feefo**.
- Available to IBMS members who are UK residents
- Cover is subject to underwriting, acceptance criteria and full policy terms and conditions
- Members in full-time NHS or private-sector employment may already be covered by their employer for treatment-related claims; check with your employer before purchasing cover for that purpose
- Locums should check whether their agency provides cover for each placement
- Markel Direct insurance covers self-employed professionals only and does not cover an individual’s work outside of their self-employed business.
*Find out more about Markel Direct's awards here
**Find out more about Markel Direct's ratings here
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs Professional Indemnity insurance as an IBMS member?
PI insurance is most relevant to members who work outside the protection of an employer's policy, including locums, self-employed practitioners, consultants, UKAS assessors and those with private practice work. NHS-employed members are usually covered by their employer's indemnity arrangements for treatment-related claims, but it's always worth checking with your employer.
What does this Professional Indemnity policy cover?
Markel Direct's Professional Indemnity Insurance provides protection against claims arising from professional advice, services or specifications. This includes legal defence costs and compensation where required, helping cover allegations of negligence, errors and omissions in your professional work.
What if I'm an NHS employee?
NHS indemnity arrangements typically cover treatment-related claims while you work for the Trust. They may not cover work you do outside your NHS role, for example locum shifts, consultancy or UKAS assessments. Independent PI cover protects you in those situations.
What other cover can I add?
Markel Direct offer Public Liability, Employers’ Liability, Legal Expenses, Occupational Personal Accident Insurance, Office Insurance, Directors and Officers Insurance and Cyber Insurance among other products. Cover is tailored so you only pay for what you need.
Can I tailor my cover?
Yes. Markel Direct's cover can be tailored to suit different professions and working arrangements, so members only pay for what they need. You can build cover around your specific work, whether that's locum shifts, UKAS assessments or self-employed practice.
How quickly can I arrange cover?
You can get an online quote in under 90 seconds, with policy documents issued instantly once cover is arranged.
Get a quote
Log into IBMS Additions to get an online quote.
Terms & Conditions
This insurance product is provided by Markel Direct, and the offer of the benefit is made available through IBMS Additions, which is operated on behalf of IBMS by Parliament Hill Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under register number 308448. Details can be checked on the Financial Services register by visiting register.fca.org.uk/s.
Markel Direct is a trading name of Markel International Insurance Company Limited, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register reference number 202570). Registered office address: 20 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 3AZ.
Markel Direct provides quotations, arranges and administers all insurance policies directly with the customer. All cover is subject to underwriting, acceptance criteria and full policy terms and conditions. Insurance is subject to underwriting.