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Life Science
Life science businesses move fast, balancing innovation, regulation, and complex risk across the full product lifecycle. See how our sector insight helps brokers support clients with confidence.
Understanding life science industry risk
The UK life science sector is one of the most dynamic and globally respected, spanning a wide range of cutting-edge organisations that operate in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and healthcare. Supported by world-leading universities, a strong clinical research environment through the NHS, and a robust regulatory framework, the sector plays a vital role in driving scientific discovery and economic growth.
Risk landscape
Life science businesses operate in a highly regulated, fast‑moving environment, balancing innovation, regulatory approval, funding challenges and operational risk across the full product lifecycle.
Insights from brokers and customers
Backed by more than 65 years shared experience in the sector and detailed research to understand key challenges and perceptions of insurance amongst both brokers and life science businesses, Markel has an in-depth understanding of this market’s many nuances.
Modular cover
Delivering comprehensive, tailored cover that fits the specific needs of life science clients. Flexibility in policy wordings and warranties at its core.
How do I get a quote for my life science client?
However you choose to trade, we're committed to providing the exceptional service and quick decisions you rely on for your life science customers.
Life Science Combined is available to trade manually on the open market. You can request a quote for your client today via the following methods:
Proposal Form
You can download our Life Science Combined proposal form here, and submit it to MarkelUKFinancialLines@markel.com.
Existing Market Presentation
If you have an existing risk profile for your client you can email this into the team at MarkelUKFinancialLines@markel.com.
Telephone
If you wish to discuss the risk with our specialist underwriters, you can get in contact with the team via the phone on 0345 351 2600.
Following broker feedback, we are currently working on an eTrade product for Life Science Combined that will be live in 2026.
If you want to find out more information about Markel UK Online, as well as requesting an account, you can do so here.
Specialist protection for a specialist sector
Our specialist insurance solution, Life Science Combined, is designed to reflect the realities of the life science sector, from product liability and regulatory scrutiny to global distribution. It gives brokers confidence they’re placing risks with an insurer that understands how these businesses operate and grow.
Life science insurance solutions that respond
Backed by research and insights from brokers and life science businesses alike, there are seven consistent and shared themes across the life science industry.
The life science sector comes with more than its fair share of risks. From early-stage R&D to manufacturing and commercialisation, organisations across the UK face complex operational, regulatory, and reputational risks, making specialist insurance essential.
Cybersecurity threats and data risk
Life science businesses are increasingly data‑driven, relying on clinical trial data, proprietary R&D, automated laboratories, cloud platforms, and connected devices. Cyber incidents can shut down operations, compromise IP, or derail regulatory approval.
Regulatory change and compliance burden
The life science sector is one of the most heavily regulated, with ever-evolving requirements across multiple regimes (such as the MHRA, UKCA, FDA). Compliance failures can lead to investigation, enforcement action, recall, or delayed market entry.
Innovation, AI and software exposures
Many life science organisations now operate at the intersection of hardware, software, data, and healthcare, creating blurred exposures across liability, professional services, and cyber risk.
More than just cover
Insights and support designed around real-world life science risk.
Frequently asked questions
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What businesses fall under the life sciences category?
Life Science businesses include organisations that research, develop, manufacture, or supply products that affect human health. This covers a wide range of activities across the full product lifecycle, from early-stage research, through to production and distribution.
Examples include biotech, medtech, and femtech companies, as well as pharmaceutical businesses, laboratories, and contract research or manufacturing organisations. Life Science Combined is designed to support these diverse business types, with tailored cover for their specific risks.
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How does Markel support innovation and growth in life sciences?
Markel supports innovation and growth by combining specialist insurance cover with practical support designed for life science businesses.
Through Life Science Combined, businesses can access services such as intellectual property (IP) reviews, legal and business advice, and support around R&D incentives and funding. These are designed to help protect new ideas, manage risk, and support growth at every stage of the product life cycle.
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What emerging risks should Life Science companies prepare for?
Emerging risks in life sciences are mainly driven by new technologies, changing regulation, and increasing reliance on digital systems. Key areas include cybersecurity threats, the use of AI in health and innovation, the challenges of managing complex data, and evolving compliance requirements. These risks are growing as businesses adopt new technologies and scale across the product life cycle.
Life Science Combined is designed to address these emerging risks, including cyber and data exposures alongside core life science liabilities.
Discover more about the key risks facing Life Science business.
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Does Life science Combined cover R&D and clinical trials?
Yes, Life Science Combined includes cover for both R&D activities and clinical trials as part of its specialist life science insurance offering.
It is designed to support businesses throughout the product lifecycle, including research, development, and testing, with specific cover for clinical trial liabilities and related risks.
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How does Markel’s expertise compare to general commercial insurers?
Markel specialises in the life science industry, backed by 65 years of combined industry expertise, with a focus on risk across research, development, clinical trials, and global distribution. Life Science Combined is designed to reflect how life science businesses operate, rather than applying standard commercial cover across very different activities.
This specialist approach allows UK brokers to access tailored cover and support that goes beyond what general insurers typically provide.
Latest industry news and insights
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The risk DNA of life science businesses; mapping where exposure really lies
Mapping the real risks life science businesses face, from supply chains to cyber and compliance.
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Life science decoded: what brokers need to know about the UK's fastest growing sector
Why life science is booming in the UK and what that means for broker strategy.
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Seizing growth opportunities in the UK life science sector
How rapid innovation in life science is reshaping risk, regulation and broker conversations.