Skip to Main Content

Biomedical & life science

Comprehensive insurance cover designed for the unique challenges faced by the biomedical and life sciences industry.

From medical products and cosmetics through to vitamins and supplements, we understand the specialist needs of the UK biomedical and life sciences industry, with a range of risks facing those that develop, manufacture and distribute these products. These complex risks include new medicines, implantable medical devices of US exports and increased demand for alternative therapies with new entrants challenging established markets and demanding a progressive approach to insurance.


Markel understands these challenges and we can design an insurance solution to suit an organisation’s needs.

Dedicated organisations need a dedicated insurance solution to match

Markel UK offers a comprehensive specialist product that meets the commercial insurance needs of biomedical and life sciences companies operating in the UK and distributing worldwide.

Markel UK offers a comprehensive specialist product that meets the commercial insurance needs of biomedical and life sciences companies operating in the UK and distributing worldwide. Clients also have access to additional services to help navigate everyday challenges and growth opportunities. Depending on your coverage, you can opt in for additional services you need.

Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, designers, service, research and development, and maintenance in the following areas:

  • Medical devices (Class I, IIa, IIb and III)
  • Medicines (Prescription Only, Pharmacy, General Sale List)
  • Herbal remedies
  • Homeopathic remedies
  • Biotechnology
  • Cosmetics / Cosmetic devices
  • Perfumes and fragrancies
  • Vitamins, minerals and food supplements

Cover for the technology sector includes:


Legal liabilities

Public liability, products liability (bodily injury and property damage), professional liability and products liability (financial loss), employers’ liability, cyber and data risks*, management risks (entity defence, directors’ and officers’ liability) and employment law protection*

Protection of assets

Property damage, business interruption, damage to portable property, money/personal assault, transit, cyber and data risks* and fidelity*

Extension to property/business interruption cover

Deviations in controlled environments, contamination, machinery breakdown, public utilities, denial of access, restrictions on premises and customers/suppliers

*Available as stand alone product.

Key products sold on a standalone basis to this industry:

MarkelTech

Integrated insurance and business support for technology, biomedical and life sciences companies.

Legal expenses insurance

LEI that’s delivered by trusted legal experts. In addition to our advice services, our in-house law firm provides specialist expertise when the unexpected happens.

Let's talk

Does your existing insurer provide market-leading solutions for UK SMEs?

POLICYHOLDERS

Speak to your broker or find one here.

BROKERS

Speak to your local Markel UK representative.

Additional services*

Additional services available depend on the terms of the policy and may be included as standard or available to purchase for an additional cost. Please refer to any policy documentation and communications from the insurer or broker for confirmation and access information.

Explore all services

Business and legal helpline

Markel’s in-house team of lawyers offers advice on everyday legal and employment matters such as GDPR and disclosure, contractual queries and employment disciplinary.

Business and legal helpline

Debt recovery service

Get access to legal advice and assistance to recover outstanding debt and combat professional negligence counter claims. Legal representation is also provided if the case goes to court.

Debt recovery service

Business Hub

Access 850+ documents, contracts, templates and videos to support you.

Business Hub

R&D tax relief consultancy

Our specialist in-house R&D division can help assess past, present and future R&D opportunities.

R&D tax relief consultancy

*Please refer to your policy for exact services included. Learn more.

Featured product

MarkelTech

MarkelTech has been specifically designed for companies that innovate, design, develop, manufacture, supply, or support technology products or services. This specialist insurance package is for start-up, emerging and established SME companies in the technology, IT and communications and biomedical and life sciences space.
MarkelTech Tech eBook

Case studies

  • Lip balm caused blisters and rash

    A manufacturer of a lip balm distributed a product that was manufactured incorrectly. A claim for injury was made alleging that an unsafe ingredient was included which led to pain and suffering.

  • Changes in temperature

    A research and development company produces samples which are sensitive to increases or decreases in temperature. The samples are stored in a single freezer at their premises. The company’s cleaning contractor unplugs the freezer to power a vacuum cleaner, then leaves without plugging the freezer back in. The samples thaw and are not recoverable. The property damage cover enables recreation of the samples, including the time spent in redoing the work, the business interruption (R&D Expenditure) covers the fixed costs and expenses of the downtime whilst the samples are recreated. In a non-specialist cover, this would be excluded under a spoilage exclusion.

Insights and resources

  • Find out more

    Access proposal forms to request a quote or view technical documents related to our products or services.

    Get started

  • Services

    From our 24/7 business and legal helpline, to our R&D tax relief consultancy, our customers have access to our legal and tax services, providing a complete solution for their wider business needs and goals.

    Learn more

  • Our claims service

    We aim to settle claims as efficiently as possible so our policyholders can get on with their lives.

    Learn more