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Markel has launched its specialist life science insurance proposition, Life Science Combined, created specifically for SMEs operating in this highly specialised sector and dedicated to protecting tomorrow’s innovators.
Published on 13 January, 2026
The launch marks a significant step in Markel’s UK growth strategy, reinforcing its ambition to strengthen its position in specialist markets and deliver sustainable growth. By addressing the evolving needs of life sciences businesses, the proposition reflects Markel’s commitment to innovation and market-led solutions. The UK life sciences sector is a significant contributor to the UK economy, employing over 359,600 people and generating £146.9 billion* in turnover, presenting a substantial opportunity for those operating in this space.
Developed in close collaboration with broker partners and end customers, Life Science Combined reflects sector feedback and addresses the complex and evolving risks businesses face across research, development and production stages.
The proposition is tailored for organisations in the life sciences, cosmetics and vitamins & food supplements sectors, as well as supporting service providers such as contract research and manufacturing organisations, regulatory consultancies, laboratories and software developers. It offers comprehensive protection from early-stage testing, through to product launch and distribution.
As a specialist proposition, Life Science Combined goes beyond standard commercial combined covers to address sector-specific risks, including medical malpractice, product efficacy, cyber and clinical trials.
This launch is part of our strategy to review our solutions suite and deliver propositions aligned with broker feedback. With 65 years of combined industry experience, Markel is well placed to drive market-led innovation and provide brokers with solutions tailored to specialist markets.
Brokers placing risks will have access to Markel’s dedicated underwriters across the UK. Clients also benefit from value-added services, such as a 24/7 cyber incident toolkit, in-house legal advice – including intellectual property and confidentiality term reviews, tax support for funding and relief opportunities, crisis PR support and more. The solution is underpinned by expert guidance to protect ideas, people and growth and enable the science of the future.
“Life Science Combined is a key addition to our proposition suite. It will enable us to grow our presence in the sector and support our ambitious plans for 2026 and beyond. By delivering tailored solutions that address complex risks and provide added-value services, we are helping brokers strengthen client relationships and unlock new opportunities,” said Lee Mooney, UK Managing Director at Markel.
* Source: Official Statistics, Bioscience and health technology sector statistics 2023 to 2024 Published 2 October 2025
