How To Check Your Aesthetic Practitioner Is Insured

Choosing an aesthetic practitioner is an important decision that can impact your health and wellbeing.

One of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself when choosing a practitioner is to check whether they have valid insurance. Insurance provides essential cover for solicitor’s costs and damages in case something goes wrong during or after your treatment.

Hamilton Fraser is the only aesthetic insurance provider in the UK who will only insure qualified medical professionals for injectable treatments such as dermal fillers and botulinum toxin

Here’s how to confirm if your practitioner is insured and what to look for:

How To Check: Your Aesthetic Practitioner Is Insured

1) Why does insurance matter?

Although insurance is not currently a legal requirement for aesthetic practitioners in the UK, proposed legislation will require all practitioners to hold indemnity insurance to protect members of the public if something goes wrong with their procedure. The NHS advises anyone opting to have a cosmetic procedure to make sure the practitioner they choose has the right insurance to safely carry out the procedure. Insurance should therefore be a key requirement for any professional offering aesthetic treatments. It protects you, the client, by providing cover in case of complications or if something does not go as planned, and it protects practitioners from allegations of negligence relating to malpractice.

Without insurance, you could be left vulnerable, with limited options if issues arise, and the practitioner may not have the means to resolve claims properly.

2. What should practitioners be insured for?

2) What should practitioners be insured for?

Aesthetic practitioners should hold specialist insurance suited to the treatments and type of service they provide. Policies typically cover:

  • Medical malpractice: Cover if a treatment causes harm or injury, to compensate you for the costs of legal defence and any other amount you may be awarded for damages
  • Public liability: Protection against claims for accidental injury or property damage during your visit
  • Product liability: Cover for issues arising from faulty or harmful products used in treatments

Insurance is a must for any responsible practitioner, but it is important to note that different insurers offer varying levels of cover for non-medics - aesthetic practitioners without a medical background or training. For example, leading cosmetic insurance provider, Hamilton Fraser, can insure non-medics to carry out specific treatments subject to training requirements, but does not insure non-medics such as beauty therapists or dental nurses for injectable treatments, and can only provide cover for dermal filler for qualified healthcare professionals within their medical malpractice insurance policy.

Non medics may not have the necessary qualifications or medical training to carry out certain treatments safely. While they might appear credible due to having insurance, the risks associated with being treated by someone without adequate training can be significant.

Why is this risky?

  • Limited medical knowledge: Non-medics may not have the clinical understanding needed to recognise or treat complications such as vascular occlusions or allergic reactions, which can result in severe injury or long-term damage
  • Inappropriate use of products: Treatments like botulinum toxin and dermal fillers require precision and understanding of facial anatomy. Mistakes can lead to nerve damage, infection, or disfigurement
  • Lack of regulation: The aesthetics industry is not yet fully regulated in the UK, and some insurers may issue policies without verifying the practitioner’s credentials or training

For your safety, it’s crucial to choose a practitioner with appropriate medical qualifications who is trained by a medical practitioner and experienced in delivering aesthetic treatments.

Why is this risky?

3) How can you check if a practitioner is insured?

Here are some steps you can take to verify a practitioner’s insurance status:

  • Ask directly: Reputable practitioners will not hesitate to provide evidence of their insurance. Request a copy of their insurance cover or details of their provider.
  • Check credentials: For employee liability cover, practitioners insured by trusted providers, such as Hamilton Fraser, are required to display their certificate
  • Research the insurer: Make sure that the policy is provided by a recognised, specialist insurer in the aesthetic industry

4) What else should you look for?

In addition to insurance, check if the practitioner:

These organisations require practitioners to demonstrate adequate training, adherence to ethical standards, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Membership with such bodies is a strong indicator of professionalism and accountability.

  • Has received training for the specific treatments they are offering

Not all training courses are created equal. Practitioners should have completed courses that meet a recognised standard, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. High-quality training should:

  • Cover safety protocols, including how to handle complications
  • Be provided by accredited trainers or institutions and delivered by medically qualified professionals
  • Include an in-depth understanding of anatomy and product application

Always ask your practitioner about their training and qualifications, and don’t hesitate to request evidence if you have concerns.

For more information, visit Hamilton Fraser’s guide on grey market products and how to identify them.

Unfortunately, there is no comprehensive public directory for UK-approved medicines and devices, but you can check if a product is approved by consulting the MHRA website.

5. Where can you find trusted, insured practitioners?

5) Where can you find trusted, insured practitioners?

Hamilton Fraser is a leading provider of insurance for aesthetic practitioners, helping to promote safe practices across the industry.

If you are unsure about your practitioner’s insurance, visit the Hamilton Fraser website to learn more about what comprehensive cover looks like.

Use the ConsultingRoom Clinic Search.

Visit the JCCP register.

Prioritise your safety

Your safety should always come first.

Taking the time to check a practitioner’s insurance status can provide peace of mind and help you feel confident in your choice.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or walk away if you have any doubts.

If you do have any concerns with a practitioner, please use our Raise A Concern form to report what you have seen.

Prioritise your safety