Veterinary practice insurance
Protecting your business when you need it most
We compare quotes from leading insurers
Compare & buy cover online
If you know the covers you require, it’s quick & easy to compare veterinary practice insurance quotes from a selection of insurers on our website.
Request a call back
Unsure of your cover requirements or looking for insurance advice? We’ll call to arrange a new insurance quote at a time that’s convenient for you
Call us on: 0333 320 6009
Our advisors are just a phone call away. On average, we answer calls within 90 seconds.
Lines open Monday to Friday 9:00am–5:00pm
Veterinary practice insurance FAQs
What does veterinary practice insurance cover?
A veterinary practice insurance policy typically covers public liability, employers’ liability, professional indemnity (malpractice), buildings and contents, specialist equipment, stock and medicines, business interruption, and cyber and data protection. Most practices combine these into a single policy tailored to the size of the practice and the animals treated.
What does veterinary practice insurance not cover?
Veterinary practice insurance does not cover the treatment costs of animals in your care; that is covered by the pet owner’s own insurance. It also typically excludes wear and tear, gradual deterioration of equipment, and claims arising from work carried out without the appropriate qualifications or licences. Cover for locum vets, motor vehicles and directors’ and officers’ liability may need to be added separately.
What insurance does a veterinary practice need?
Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement if your practice employs staff, including nurses, receptionists and locums. Public liability and professional indemnity are strongly recommended for any practice treating animals. Beyond that, most practices need buildings and contents cover, equipment cover for diagnostic and surgical machinery, and business interruption to protect income if you cannot trade.
Do vets need malpractice insurance?
Yes. Veterinary malpractice cover, usually provided through professional indemnity insurance, protects you against claims of professional negligence, such as an incorrect diagnosis or treatment that causes harm to an animal. It covers legal defence costs and any damages awarded. Many veterinary regulatory bodies and professional organisations require it.
What is the difference between veterinary surgery and veterinary practice insurance?
There is no practical difference; the terms are used interchangeably. Whether your business is described as a veterinary surgery, practice or clinic, the insurance covers the same risks: liability claims, professional negligence, premises, equipment and loss of income. The right policy depends on the size of your business and the treatments you provide, not on what you call it.
How much does veterinary practice insurance cost?
The cost depends on the size of your practice, the number of staff you employ, the treatments and surgery you carry out, the value of your equipment and premises, and the levels of cover you choose. A small single-site clinic will pay considerably less than a multi-site practice with surgical facilities. The quickest way to find out is to compare quotes.
Vet public liability insurance
Public liability insurance can safeguard your livelihood should someone sustain an injury at your clinic or surgery that leads to a claim and compensation award. For example, if someone slipped over at your premises your public liability insurance will typically provide cover for compensation and legal fees if you faced a claim for injury or damages. You never know what is around the corner so protecting against the unexpected with public liability cover is fundamental to the financial security and reputation of your vet business.
Employers' liability insurance
Employers’ liability insurance for vet practices provides financial protection in the event that an employee of the practice is injured or becomes ill as a result of their work. This type of insurance covers the costs associated with compensating the affected employee, as well as legal fees. If you employ a team to support you, it is a legal requirement for your business to have employers’ liability insurance in most cases.
Personal accident cover for vets
Personal accident insurance can be an important consideration for vets, as the nature of your work often involves dealing with sick, injured or frightened animals, which can be unpredictable and increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Personal accident insurance for veterinary professionals typically covers accidental injuries sustained while working and could provide a lump sum payment to you, which can be used to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other costs associated with the injury or illness.
Property covers for vet practices
Your buildings, contents and stock will all need insuring to guarantee you have protection for your business’s physical assets. It’s important for veterinary practices to carefully assess the value of their assets to ensure that they have adequate coverage in place.
Buildings Insurance to cover damage to the veterinary practice’s physical building. Contents Insurance to cover damage or loss to the practice’s equipment, furniture, and supplies, such as diagnostic equipment, computers, and pharmaceuticals. Stock Insurance to cover loss or damage to veterinary products, such as pet food and medication. This type of insurance typically includes coverage for accidental damage, fire, flood and theft.
Business interruption insurance
Business interruption insurance for vet businesses can provide financial protection if the practice is temporarily suspended due to an insured event, such as a natural disaster, fire, or other insured loss. This type of insurance covers the income that would have been earned during the period of interruption, as well as additional expenses incurred as a result of the interruption. By providing financial support during the interruption, this insurance can help the veterinary practice recover more quickly and get back to business as usual.
Professional indemnity cover for vets
Professional indemnity insurance for veterinary professionals protects against claims of professional negligence or malpractice. This type of insurance typically covers the cost of defending against a claim, as well as any settlements or damages that may be awarded. For example, if a client alleges that a veterinary professional provided incorrect treatment or advice, resulting in harm to their pet, this cover could help to protect personal and business assets in the event of a claim. It is also a requirement for many veterinary organisations and regulatory bodies.
Cyber insurance for veterinary practices
As veterinary practices increasingly rely on technology to store and manage sensitive client information, it is important for them to have adequate cyber and data insurance in place to protect against the potential financial consequences of a breach. This cover typically protects against the financial consequences of a data breach or cyber attack. Over the phone, our insurance experts can assist in determining the appropriate coverage levels and in selecting the best insurance policy for your veterinary practice.
Van and vehicle cover
A commercial vehicle or van could be a crucial part of your veterinary practice; whether it’s for transporting animals, or even just getting to and from your clients, we understand the need for a quality cover that gives you peace of mind. Take a look at our commercial van insurance page to find out more about van insurance for vets.
Commercial legal protection for vets
Commercial legal protection will typically cover a number of defined events, from tax and VAT disputes to contract and employment disputes. It can also offer financial protection if someone takes you to court.
Why choose Premierline?
We're pet business insurance experts
We understand the nature of running your pet business often leaves little time for much else. That’s why we work closely with some of the UK’s leading insurers to find the cover that’s right for you, making arranging your pet business insurance simple and hassle-free. We’re committed to finding the right insurance solutions for your business to let you work without worry and focus on what really matters – your business.
- Award winning service
We're trusted by thousands of SMEs across the UK
- Comprehensive protection
We can help with all your commercial insurance needs
- UK based experts
Located in Lancaster, our advisors are here to help
Our customer reviews and testimonials
“Very helpful staff. We were offered several different options of different covers and each quote was thoroughly explained.”
Veterinary Practice
Customer since January 2025
Our independent customer reviews
Speak to a veterinary practice insurance expert
If you know what covers you need, you can protect your vet practice or office online in just a few minutes. Alternatively, if you are a veterinarian professional, call us to speak to our expert advisors for insurance advice and recommendations for your profession.
Compare & buy cover online
If you know the covers you require, it’s quick & easy to compare veterinary practice insurance quotes from a selection of insurers on our website.
Request a call back
Unsure of your cover requirements or looking for insurance advice? We’ll call to arrange a new insurance quote at a time that’s convenient for you
Call us on: 0333 320 6009
Our advisors are just a phone call away. On average, we answer calls within 90 seconds.
Lines open Monday to Friday 9:00am–5:00pm