Osteopaths · GOsC
Osteopaths PI insurance — GOsC requirements
Reviewed by Matthew Bartlett, Director, Apex Insurance Brokers Limited (FCA FRN 724952) · Published 15 July 2026
The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) requires all registered osteopaths to hold PI insurance as a condition of practice. The minimum is £1m per claim; most practitioners carry higher.
GOsC requirement
GOsC Rule: registered osteopaths must hold PI cover in place at all times.
Minimum: £1m per claim / £3m aggregate is common market baseline.
Cover must include clinical malpractice, medical malpractice, and product liability for any devices used.
Market and premiums
Standalone osteopath policies typically £180-£450 per year.
Institutional cover (via BOA or IO membership) usually offers lower rates.
Group policies for clinics available.
Cover extensions to consider
- Product liability for equipment.
- Medical malpractice covering peripheral techniques (acupuncture, cranial).
- GDPR/data-breach cover for patient records.
- Loss of documents cover.
- Legal expenses for disciplinary defence.
Frequently asked
Is PI mandatory for osteopaths?
Yes — GOsC registration requires it.
What's the standard limit?
£1m per claim / £3m aggregate is baseline; £2m+ common.
Does PI cover disciplinary defence?
Standard PI usually doesn't; separate legal-expenses cover is needed for GOsC hearings.
What about acupuncture as a technique?
If practising acupuncture within osteopathic work, the wording should extend explicitly.
Do BOA/IO membership schemes cover this?
Membership often includes discounted PI; check the exact wording.
What about run-off?
GOsC recommends run-off after ceasing practice; typically 6-7 years is placed.
Related
Apex Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm reference number 724952. Registered in England and Wales, company number 07014570.