Locum Insurance in the UK: Why “Winging It” Isn’t Worth the Risk
The life of a locum healthcare professional in the UK offers incredible freedom. Whether you are a GP, nurse, pharmacist, or allied health professional, you enjoy flexible hours, varied environments, and often higher take-home pay. However, that independence comes with a significant caveat: you are a business . Unlike salaried NHS staff who are covered by Crown Indemnity or employer liability schemes, the buck stops with you. This is where Locum Insurance becomes not just a safety net, but a legal and financial necessity. The Gaps in "Standard" Coverage Many locums make the dangerous assumption that the hospital or practice they are working in will cover them if something goes wrong. While the host organization has vicarious liability , this does not protect you personally. If a patient sues for clinical negligence, they will sue everyone involved. Without your own policy, you could be left paying legal fees and damages out of your own pocket—p...