Life sciences businesses operate in some of the most tightly regulated environments in commerce. Clear's Life Sciences and Healthcare specialists arrange tailored insurance for biotech, pharma, medical device and clinical research organisations, from early-stage start-ups through to established multinationals.
Our team understands the regulatory frameworks that shape how life science organisations operate, including the requirements of the UK MHRA, EU EMA and US FDA. That means we can advise on the specific exposures tied to clinical trials, medicinal products and healthcare service delivery.
Our specialist team has extensive experience across the life sciences sector, from venture-backed start-ups to businesses preparing for investment, acquisition or IPO. We're members of BioUK, supporting the wider life sciences community through specialist insurance advice & risk management guidance.
Biotechnology companies
Pharmaceutical and speciality pharma businesses
Drug discovery and development organisations
Cell & gene therapy and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs)
Contract Research Organisations (CROs) and clinical trial sponsors
Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs)
Medical device manufacturers, including Class II and Class III devices
In vitro diagnostics (IVD) and diagnostic laboratories
Digital health, HealthTech and Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) businesses
Artificial intelligence in healthcare and precision/personalised medicine
Vitamins, cosmeceutical and nutraceutical manufacturers
Contract manufacturers
Research institutes and university spinouts
Regulatory, quality, market access and product development consultancies
Pharmacovigilance and medical affairs providers
covers compensation claims from employees that suffer injury or sickness due to their work, and is a legal requirement for most UK employers.
covers claims from members of the public, visitors or other businesses who are injured or suffer property damage from your business activities.
covers claims that arise if a product you manufacture, supply or distribute causes illness or injury.
covers claims that arise from advice, research, testing or consultancy you’ve provided.
protects against claims that arise from research activity, such as injury caused to a participant.
covers the costs of withdrawing a defective or unsafe product from the market, such as the costs of notification, transport and disposal.
When it comes to insurance, one-size doesn't fit all. The protection you need is unique to your circumstances, skills and day-to-day activities. Beyond the core covers within all life sciences insurance policies, we can also arrange the following protection
covers the costs of responding to a cyber attack or data breach, such as the costs of investigation, notification, and claims from affected parties.
protects directors and officers against personal claims which arise from decisions made in the course of running the business, such as allegations of mismanagement or breach of duty.
covers legal defence and pursuit costs relating to IP rights and licence agreement disputes.
covers the cost of repairing or replacing buildings, equipment or stock, which can arise from situations like fire, flood or escape of water.
covers lost income and ongoing costs if property damage forces you to stop or reduce trading, giving a business time to recover whilst repairs are made.
covers the loss or damage of goods or stock whilst being transported, stored, or moved through the supply chain.
coordinates cover across multiple countries under a single master policy, giving a multinational business consistent protection wherever it operates.
ensure that policies issued within a country meet that country's insurance regulations and ensure compliance within every territory a business operates in.
Life science risk doesn't stop at the insurance policy. We help identify, assess and mitigate risk alongside your team, and provide strong claims advocacy if an incident occurs. Our clients also benefit from the wider Clear proposition, including employee benefits, risk management, cyber expertise and international insurance solutions.
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Industry-recognised for being people-first, our team of specialists supports start-ups, SMEs, corporates, multinationals and individuals.
We offer broad and bespoke sector specialist insurance solutions for peace of mind.
In recognition of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of knowledge, ethical practice and guidance.
We're dedicated to providing exceptional customer service to respond proactively to the needs of our clients.
Life sciences insurance is specialist commercial cover designed to cover life sciences organisations (including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics and other related fields) from industry-specific risks that standard commercial policies don’t anticipate, such as clinical trial liability, product recall, regulatory investigations or the compensation obligations which come with testing on human participants.
Life sciences insurance can be arranged to cover clinical trial liability, and can satisfy the requirements of the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004, which states insurance or indemnity arrangements need to be in place before approval can be granted to start the trials.
Most UK sponsors also follow the ABPI’s no-fault compensation guidelines, meaning participants can be compensated for injury related to the trial without needing to prove negligence, which is a much broader obligation than standard liability cover provides. If you’re not sure which level of cover is right for you, contact our team to discuss your requirements.
Product liability covers claims arising from a product itself (such as a device or drug causing harm or failing to perform as intended). Professional indemnity covers claims that arise from advice, research, testing or consultancy services. Most life science businesses will need both to cover product-related and advice-related risk simultaneously.
Cyber liability insurance can be arranged as part of a life sciences insurance package, covering risks to the sensitive clinical, patient or research data life sciences organisations frequently hold.
Life sciences insurance can be arranged to provide international cover for businesses who are operating in multiple territories. We coordinate a single international programme with locally admitted policies (where required) to make sure you stay protected and compliant wherever your business operates.
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