Answers based on 10+ years of experience working with pharmacies
How are policy documents, including professional indemnity certificate sent?
All policy documents, including your professional indemnity certificate, are sent to you via email approximately 30 days prior to your policy renewal date. This gives you ample time to review the details and ensure everything is in order before the renewal takes effect. Please ensure that the email address you have provided to us is current and actively monitored, as all communications regarding your policy will be sent there. It’s also a good idea to check your junk folder, as sometimes automated emails can be mistakenly filtered out.
How much Fridge stock is automatically covered on a shop policy with Hiscox?
The standard cover is £7,000. However, you can have up to £15,000 in one fridge, and we would require further information from you. If you require more than £7,000 to be covered, please call us, and we can discuss the next steps of getting this amended.
Am I covered as standard for independent prescribing working within my area of competency?
Independent Prescribing isn’t cover as standard on your policy. This is an additional service that will need to be added. We will require the full name and registration number of the Independent Prescriber and there will be an additional fee for either, face to face, online or both.
How is payment taken for insurance?
Payment can be taken in many ways; it depends on the broker that arranges your cover and the insurers they have access to. This could all be online, or with direct contact with a broker. We recommend reaching out to your insurance partner to gain a clear answer on how best to pay for your pharmacy insurance.
Do I need to notify you if I have sold the pharmacy?
Yes, you will need to notify us. The insurance will not automatically transfer to the new directors and a new policy will need to be put in place for them. The director is the controlling mind of the business. Please call us and we can begin the process for you.
How do I make a claim or report a notification of a dispensing error?
If you need to make a claim or report a potential dispensing error, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our experienced claims handlers are on hand to guide you through the process, offering practical advice and helping to minimise any potential impact on your business.
To begin, simply give us a call on 0800 783 5709. You’ll be asked to provide some key details, such as: The date and nature of the incident, Who was involved (if applicable), Any supporting documentation (e.g. records, prescriptions, witness statements), Any steps you’ve taken so far.
It’s important to notify us as soon as possible, even if you’re unsure whether a formal claim will arise. Early notification allows us to offer the best possible support and, where necessary, liaise with insurers or legal representatives on your behalf.
Whether it’s a minor issue or a more serious incident, we’re here to help resolve it quickly, professionally, and with minimal disruption to your business.
Are pharmacist locums covered on my professional indemnity policy?
Yes, your professional indemnity policy does provide cover for pharmacist locums, as well as all other staff and engaged individuals working within your organisation, provided they are appropriately trained and operating within their area of professional competency. This includes locum pharmacists who do not hold their own individual insurance, ensuring that they are still protected under your policy while carrying out duties on your behalf. It’s important that any locum or team member is acting within the scope of their professional qualifications and local regulatory requirements.
Does the Hiscox shop insurance policy cover Employers Liability?
Yes, the Hiscox shop insurance policy does include Employers’ Liability cover as standard. This applies to all staff members, including part-time workers, volunteers, and work experience students who may be placed at your pharmacy through schools.
If you’re not sure if you’re covered, please get in touch with us as soon as possible.
I have different policies on different dates throughout the calendar year, can I bring these in line?
Yes, absolutely. We understand that managing multiple renewal dates can be time-consuming and easy to overlook. To make things simpler for you, we can align your policies to a common renewal date, meaning all your policies will renew on the same day each year.
This can help streamline your admin, reduce the risk of missing a renewal, and make budgeting for your insurance easier.
To arrange this, please get in touch with us before your next renewal so we can review your existing policies and discuss the best way to bring them in line.
What are the most common services we are asked to add cover for?
We’re frequently asked to add cover for a range of additional services as healthcare businesses grow and diversify. Some of the most common services requested include:
Phlebotomy – blood-taking services are increasingly offered by clinics and pharmacies, and can be easily added to your policy.
- Cryotherapy – often used for skin treatments or wart removal, this requires specific cover due to the specialist equipment and procedures involved.
- Weight Loss Services – whether this includes medical consultations or prescribing, many providers now offer structured weight management services.
- Aesthetic Treatments – such as dermal fillers, Botox, or other cosmetic procedures. These are high-risk areas that should always be specifically declared and covered.
- Vitamin Injections – including B12 and other vitamin injections that are increasingly popular and often offered as part of wellness services.
- Travel Vaccinations – providing cover for administering vaccines to patients travelling abroad, which may include more specialised or region-specific treatments.
- COVID-19 & Flu Vaccinations – seasonal and pandemic-related vaccinations are still relevant, especially for clinics involved in public health support.
Making changes to your policy
If you’re offering any new services mentioned, or planning to introduce them, it’s essential to inform us in advance so we can ensure you’re properly covered. Each service carries different levels of risk, so having the right cover in place protects both your business and your patients.
If you do need to make any amendments to your policy(s) in addition to new services – some examples of this could be: increasing/decreasing your sums insured amounts, amending your turnover or business interruption, adding private services – please call us and we can discuss this further with you.
It is important that your policy is up to date with any changes you make within your pharmacy.
Our role as insurance brokers is not just about arranging insurance policies for you; it’s about making sure that you have the appropriate policies and levels of cover for your pharmacy, so you are not carrying undue risk.
