NHS Contractor Insurance Requirements

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Insurance requirements for NHS contractors, consultants, interim managers, digital specialists and healthcare service providers. Ensure compliance with NHS Frameworks, IR35, procurement standards, and mandatory indemnity requirements.

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MANDATORY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR NHS CONTRACTORS

Meet NHS contract, IR35 & framework compliance requirements

NHS bodies require contractors to hold specific insurance before onboarding. This includes PI, PL, cyber cover, and additional requirements for technology, clinical and consultancy roles.

Why NHS Contractors Need Insurance

All NHS Digital, NHS Trust and NHS England contractor roles require insurance to ensure contractual risk is transferred appropriately. PI, PL and Cyber cover may be mandated depending on role.


  • Mandatory for NHS framework onboarding
  • Meets procurement & contract requirements
  • Protects against professional errors
  • Required for outside IR35 assignments
  • Covers digital, clinical & consultancy work
  • Accepted by NHS agencies & suppliers

What Insurance NHS Contractors Must Hold

Insurance requirements vary by Trust, role and procurement framework.

Typically required


  • Professional Indemnity (£1m–£5m)
  • Public Liability (£1m–£5m)
  • Cyber & Data Protection Cover
  • Employers’ Liability (if relevant)
  • Medical malpractice (clinical roles)
  • Contract dispute protection

Optional (role dependent)


  • Technology/IT liability
  • Management consultancy cover
  • Data handling & digital security
  • Equipment & laptop cover
  • IR35 tax liability cover
  • Clinical negligence (medical consultants)

Common Scenarios Where NHS Contractors Need Cover

NHS contractor risk examples


  • Data breach or mishandling sensitive information
  • Incorrect analysis impacting patient services
  • Delays to digital transformation projects
  • System or reporting errors
  • Failure to meet NHS specifications
  • Professional negligence allegations

Roles requiring insurance


  • NHS Digital Contractors
  • Interim Managers & Programme Leads
  • IT & Cyber Specialists
  • Clinical Consultants & Specialists
  • Healthcare Management Consultants
  • Data & Reporting Analysts

Insure24 provided NHS-compliant PI and cyber cover within minutes. Perfect for my digital transformation contract.

NHS Digital Contractor – Public Sector

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+>-What insurance do NHS contractors need?

Typically PI, PL and Cyber cover. Clinical roles may need malpractice insurance.

+>-Is insurance mandatory for NHS Digital contractors?

Yes - insurance is required before onboarding on all NHS Digital and NHS England procurement frameworks.

+>-What level of cover is required?

Most NHS Trusts require £1m–£5m PI and £1m–£5m PL, depending on role and scope.

+>-Does this help with outside IR35 compliance?

Yes - holding PI is a key indicator of operating as an independent contractor.

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