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Having pharmacy business insurance is crucial for protecting your investment and securing your future. According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, the average cost of a pharmacy lawsuit is over $1 million.
As a business owner, you're likely no stranger to risk. But did you know that 75% of pharmacies experience a liability claim each year? This is a staggering statistic that highlights the importance of having adequate insurance coverage.
Investing in pharmacy business insurance can help you avoid financial ruin in the event of a lawsuit or other unexpected event. By transferring some of the risk to your insurance provider, you can focus on running your business with confidence.
Protection and Risk Management
Liability insurance is a must-have for pharmacists to protect their careers and finances from unforeseen disciplinary actions or malpractice lawsuits. As a pharmacist, you may not be fully protected by your employer's professional liability insurance, so having your own insurance is the best way to incorporate personal risk management.
Proliability offers coverage with premiums as low as $105, giving you peace of mind to focus on your patients.
Risk management and professional liability insurance go hand in hand. At Proliability, we recognize the importance of providing comprehensive risk management resources to our policyholders.
Our risk management services include RiskFit, a series of risk management content that allows you to test your knowledge on topics including self-assessment tools, sample policies and procedures, checklists, videos, podcasts, and articles.
A monthly Risk Reduction Tip is also provided, with quick tips and reminders on risk management topics, usually containing a video or brief educational article.
Advice-on-Demand gives you access to a toll-free or email helpline designed to answer risk-related questions with a 30-minute consultation with a Risk Consultant.
Pharmacies are a common target for criminals, especially when they have late-night hours or limited staff. Business insurance is a key part of risk management, helping you recover quickly from theft, fires, and lawsuits.
Here are some common risks faced by pharmacies and drugstores:
- Accidents causing injury or property damage
- Libel claims
- False advertising
Note that negligence from employees is covered by Errors & Omissions Insurance.
Additional coverages to consider include:
- Cyber liability insurance to protect your business from cyberattacks and data breaches
- Business income insurance to reimburse you for lost income and operating expenses if your business is temporarily unable to operate
- Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) to protect your business against lawsuits by employees accusing your business of wrongful treatment
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage is a crucial aspect of pharmacy business insurance. It protects your business from various operational risks, ensuring you can continue operations without financial disruptions.
Pharmacy insurance is designed to cover risks specific to pharmacy operations, including general liability for bodily injury or property damage claims. It also includes pharmacist professional liability for errors in medication dispensing.
Pharmacy insurance typically covers the following essential coverages: general liability, pharmacist liability insurance, property insurance, and workers' compensation. These coverages are essential for any business involved in dispensing medications, including retail, compounding, and online pharmacies.
The cost of pharmacy insurance varies based on pharmacy size, services provided, and coverage limits. Higher-risk operations, like compounding pharmacies, generally incur higher premiums. Factors such as claims history, location, and asset value also influence costs.
Here are some common types of pharmacy insurance coverages:
- Broad Professional Pharmacist Liability Insurance
- Property Insurance
- Pharmacy Errors & Omissions / Malpractice / Druggist Liability Insurance
- Pharmacy BOP (Business Owner’s Policy)
- Lower Cost Option(s) for Rx Owners
- High Limits
Additionally, you may want to consider additional coverages such as cyber liability insurance, business income insurance, and employment practices liability insurance (EPLI). These coverages can provide protection against cyber threats, lost income, and employment-related issues.
Benefits
Having the right pharmacy business insurance can give you peace of mind, knowing you're protected against unexpected events.
With coverage options up to $2 million per claim, you can rest assured that you're financially secure in case of a lawsuit.
Our insurance policies include full consent to settle claims, giving you the flexibility to handle situations as needed.
One of the benefits of our pharmacy business insurance is that it covers you everywhere you go, even in volunteer, telehealth, per diem, or moonlighting assignments.
The policy also includes telemedicine/telehealth coverage, license defense coverage, and general liability available.
Some of the key benefits of our pharmacy business insurance include:
- Coverage Options up to $2 Million per Claim
- Full Consent to Settle Claims
- Telemedicine/Telehealth Coverage
- License Defense Coverage
- General Liability Available
- Defense Costs in Addition to Liability Limits
- Sexual Misconduct Defense
- HIPAA Defense Coverage
- 24/7 Portable Coverage That Covers You Everywhere You Go
Our insurance policy also includes defense costs in addition to liability limits, giving you extra protection in case of a lawsuit.
Choosing an Insurance Provider
CM&F has been a trusted partner to millions of healthcare professionals since 1919, and has been developing innovative insurance products for over 100 years.
Their long history of protecting professionals' livelihoods is impressive, especially considering they introduced the first liability insurance policy for registered nurses in 1947 and for nurse practitioners in 1987.
CM&F continues to lead the way in protecting over 200 professional specialties across the healthcare industry, with a focus on providing superior service and innovative products.
Why Choose CM&F?
CM&F has been a trusted partner to millions of healthcare professionals since 1919, with a family-owned and operated business model that prioritizes personal and professional protection.
Developing the first liability insurance policy for registered nurses in 1947 and nurse practitioners in 1987, CM&F has led the way in protecting healthcare professionals' livelihoods for over 100 years.
CM&F only partners with insurance carriers that carry the highest A.M. Best ratings in the market today, ensuring top-notch coverage.
You can add additional insured to your policy at any time, whether during the application process or throughout the policy's lifetime.
CM&F invests in service and technology to support clients, making it easy to buy insurance online, access policy documents in real-time, or discuss coverage questions over the phone.
Development Services Members
If you're a member of Pharmacy Development Services (PDS), you may want to take a closer look at your business policy. Our research has found that most PDS members have policies that fall short in coverage.
PDS members are often charged more than necessary for their insurance. This can be a significant financial burden, especially for small pharmacies.
To get a better understanding of your policy and potential savings, download and complete the PDS Members Insurance Review form. This will allow you to get a complimentary pharmacy insurance review from Dana Schiller.
Pharmacy Requirements
Pharmacies are a common target for criminals, especially when they have late night hours or limited staff.
Business insurance is a key part of risk management, helping pharmacies recover quickly from theft, fires, and lawsuits.
Pharmacies need insurance to protect themselves from financial losses due to theft and other criminal activities.
Limited staff can make it difficult for pharmacies to prevent or respond to crimes, making insurance even more crucial.
Business insurance helps pharmacies cover the costs of recovering from theft, fires, and lawsuits, which can be devastating to a small business.
Cost and Pricing
The cost of pharmacy business insurance can vary significantly depending on several factors. A pharmacy with only a few employees will pay less for insurance than a larger business.
The type of business, such as a retail pharmacy, mail order pharmacy, network pharmacy, or specialty pharmacy, also affects the cost. Products sold, like prescription medications or vitamins, can also impact the price.
Business property and equipment are also considered when determining the cost of insurance. The types of insurance purchased, deductibles, and other coverage options can also influence the final cost.
A pharmacy with a history of frequent claims will face higher premiums. This is because insurers consider factors like claims history when determining the risk profile of your business.
Businesses with higher risks will have higher premiums than those deemed lower risk. For example, a pharmacy with a higher number of employees will likely pay more for insurance than a smaller one.
A different take: When Doing Business in This State an Insurance Company
To get an accurate estimate on pricing, it’s best to get a quote from a reputable insurance company. Different insurance companies have different models for rating risks, so it is worth comparing pricing across different insurers.
Here are a few trusted insurance providers that offer coverage for pharmacists:
Starting and Running a Pharmacy Business
Starting a pharmacy business requires careful planning, and one crucial aspect is securing the right insurance coverage. To get pharmacy business insurance, you'll need to have your company information on hand, such as revenue and number of employees.
Pharmacies and drugstores face unique risks, and various insurance products can help mitigate these risks. These policies cover common risks faced by pharmacies and drugstores.
To get started, complete a free online application with a reputable insurance provider like Insureon. This will help you compare insurance quotes and choose policies that suit your business needs.
Business Owner's Policy
A Business Owner's Policy (BOP) is a cost-effective way for pharmacy and drugstore business owners to buy general liability coverage and commercial property insurance together. This can help protect your business from unexpected events.
A BOP typically covers risks such as slip-and-fall accidents, theft of prescription drugs, and business interruption insurance. This can provide financial support in case of unexpected events.
Here are some key coverages included in a BOP:
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Theft of prescription drugs
- Business interruption insurance
A BOP can help you manage your business risks and ensure your pharmacy remains operational.
Owning a Group or Clinic?
Our insurance plans are extremely flexible, offering coverage for almost all professionals, including full-time, part-time, moonlighting, or contracting policies.
This flexibility is crucial for pharmacy business owners who may have varying schedules or work arrangements.
Starting a Business
Starting a pharmacy business can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, you'll be on your way to success. It's easy to get business insurance for your pharmacy, drugstore, or convenience store if you have your company information on hand.
To get started, you'll need to complete a free online application, which will ask for basic facts about your business, such as revenue and number of employees. This will help you compare insurance quotes and choose policies that suit your needs.
You can buy a policy online and get a certificate of insurance with Insureon in just three easy steps. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Complete a free online application.
- Compare insurance quotes and choose policies.
- Pay for your policy and download a certificate.
Insureon's licensed insurance agents work with top-rated U.S. providers to find the right insurance coverage for your pharmacy, whether you work independently or hire pharmacists.
Discover more: How Does Small Business Health Insurance Work
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is $1,000,000 liability insurance a month?
On average, a $1 million liability insurance policy costs around $69 per month. However, costs may vary depending on your business's specific needs and circumstances.
Is pharmacist insurance worth it?
Individual pharmacist insurance can provide crucial protection against personal claims, supplementing employer-provided coverage. Consider investing in a separate policy for added peace of mind and financial security
Sources
- https://www.proliability.com/professional-liability-insurance/pharmacists.html
- https://www.cmfgroup.com/professional-liability-insurance/pharmacy-professional-insurance/pharmacist-insurance/
- https://www.heffins.com/pharmacy-owners/
- https://www.insureon.com/retail-business-insurance/pharmacies
- https://advisorsmith.com/health-care/pharmacist-insurance/
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