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.

Speak to a specialist broker

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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.

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