Insuring aesthetic excellence: navigating the evolving landscape of aesthetic insurance in the UK

Following on from the pandemic pause, the pull of non-invasive cosmetic procedures continues its momentum across the UK, marking a significant surge in their popularity. With this boom in demand comes a need for increased scrutiny regarding the safety and regulations governing these procedures. Historically, the legal framework surrounding them has been somewhat lacking, leaving both patients and practitioners exposed to potential risks.

One key player stepping up to address this gap is Hamilton Fraser. A key partner of the Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP), focusing purely on medical practitioners. Since 1996 the company has offered tailored insurance that not only provides financial security, but also contributes to the overall safety and professionalism of the non-surgical aesthetic sector.

The JCCP and Hamilton Fraser have applauded the Government for taking the first key step to enforce statutory regulation of the non-surgical aesthetics sector in England. It has always been our shared opinion that the adoption of any new system of statutory reform and regulation must be determined within the context of a robust and enforceable licensing scheme. We have previously advised that any new regulatory regime should identify and put in place a national mandated standard for education and training for all aesthetic practitioners who perform invasive procedures as a condition of practice, and should protect members of the public by requiring all practitioners to evidence possession of adequate medical indemnity insurance, complaints procedures, fitness to practice compliance and the provision of consumer access to redress and compensation schemes. The importance of ensuring that all licensed practitioners operate from appropriately licenced hygienic and safe premises is also considered by the JCCP to be essential. The possession of appropriate insurance is a central tenet of the Government's commitment to patient safety and public protection.