12
Jun
2026
12
Jun
2026
Hamilton Fraser is warning that the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across aesthetic practice could increase complaints and claims exposure unless clinics put appropriate safeguards, oversight and governance.
The specialist medical malpractice insurer says AI is now becoming embedded within multiple stages of the patient journey, from consultation support and treatment planning to patient assessment, risk scoring and administrative workflows. While the technology offers clear operational benefits, growing use of AI in clinical settings is also creating new areas of professional and insurance risk.
According to Hamilton Fraser, many clinics are already using AI-powered tools, often without formal policies, structured oversight or a clear understanding of how liability may be affected if something goes wrong.
The warning comes amid increasing industry discussion around AI-generated consultation notes, automated patient communication systems, image analysis tools and predictive treatment planning software.
Eddie Hooker, Founder and CEO of Hamilton Fraser, said:
“AI is already influencing how aesthetic clinics operate and how patients engage with treatments. Used appropriately, it has the potential to improve efficiency, communication and administrative processes. But there is also a risk that clinics begin to over-rely on technology without fully understanding the governance, accountability and insurance implications involved.”
He continued:
“From an insurance perspective, the key principle remains unchanged: responsibility sits with the practitioner and the clinic. AI does not remove clinical accountability, and it cannot hold liability if something goes wrong.”
Hamilton Fraser says one of the biggest concerns is the growing use of AI in patient assessment and treatment planning, where automation bias or over-reliance on AI-generated outputs could contribute to poor clinical decisions or unrealistic patient expectations.
The business is also seeing signs that complaints are becoming more sophisticated, as AI tools become more accessible to consumers.
Hooker added:
“Patients are now using AI to research clinics, compare practitioners, and ask highly specific treatment questions before they even attend a consultation. At the same time, clinics are beginning to use AI-generated communication, consultation summaries and imaging tools within practice. The challenge is making sure this technology supports clinical judgement rather than replacing it.”
Industry mentor and aesthetics business consultant Ron Myers, founder of Aesthetics AI, believes many practitioners still underestimate how quickly AI is becoming integrated into everyday clinic operations.
Speaking during a recent Hamilton Fraser podcast discussion on AI in aesthetics, Myers said:
“A lot of clinics are probably already using AI without fully realising it, whether that’s through CRM systems, automated communication tools or consultation support software. The important thing is understanding where AI is useful and where the red lines are.”
He continued:
“AI can help clinics think, create, communicate, analyse and automate more effectively. But AI doesn’t have the indemnity – the clinic does. Practitioners still need oversight, clear processes and proper governance around how these systems are used.”
Hamilton Fraser says clinics should take a cautious, structured approach to adoption, particularly in areas involving patient-facing communication or clinical documentation.
The insurer advises practitioners to:
The company also believes clearer governance frameworks are needed across the aesthetics sector as AI adoption accelerates.
“At the moment, standards around AI use in aesthetics are still evolving,” said Hooker. “The industry needs greater clarity around accountability, transparency and safe use within clinical decision-making. Technology is moving quickly, but patient safety and professional responsibility must remain the priority.”
Hamilton Fraser recently published guidance exploring the insurance and liability implications of AI in patient assessment and treatment planning, including the potential impact on professional indemnity exposure, documentation expectations and risk management within aesthetic practice.
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