Consultants providing scientific, regulatory, quality, statistical or research management services.

Where the sector’s exposures differ

A consulting error may create financial loss without injury or product damage. A missed submission requirement, an unsuitable research design or inaccurate analysis can trigger different allegations. Any direct patient work, clinical decisions or sponsor role should be identified separately.

Insurance covers to assess

Professional indemnity is a central review area, alongside public liability, cyber and specialist trial or medical cover where applicable. Check the defined professional services, subcontractors, contractual liability, intellectual property provisions and any claims-made notification requirements.

Policy features to discuss

We can discuss the insured activities, insured entities, territorial limits, defence costs, excesses and aggregate limits offered by insurers. If a customer requests particular insurance, let us know so we can consider the available cover. Legal interpretation, drafting and negotiation of contracts should be handled by your legal adviser.

An illustrative exposure

A client alleges that an incorrect statistical analysis led to repeat work and delay. The PI wording and contract determine the relevant cover questions.

This is a hypothetical example to explain cover questions, not a Mercantile client case or a paid claim. The proposed policy must be assessed before assuming any response.

Information needed for a quotation

Detailed services; qualifications and experience; deliverables; client and country split; subcontracting; contractual indemnities; prior cover and known circumstances.

Also provide turnover, wages, subcontractor and labour-hire costs, the legal entities to insure, existing schedules and wordings, claims or known circumstances, and planned changes. A clear activity breakdown helps us approach suitable markets and compare the terms offered.

Common questions

Does PI automatically include participant injury?

No. Some policies exclude medical malpractice, bodily injury or clinical trial activities. Any participant-facing role needs explicit assessment.

Can Mercantile review existing insurance?

Yes. Send the schedule and wording together with a description of your activities and key contracts. We can examine significant gaps and approach suitable insurers, subject to their appetite and acceptance. We assist Australian businesses from our Norwest NSW office.

Related insurance sectors

Our service focuses on insurance placement and policy cover. Product classification, approvals and regulatory compliance are matters for your regulatory adviser or the relevant authority.

Return to medical research insurance or explore all Life Science insurance sectors.

• Global Clinical Trial Insurance
• Clinical Trial Drug Logistics Insurance
• Medical Research Laboratory Insurance

Prepared by Mercantile Insurance Brokers. Updated 30 September 2026. General information for Australian businesses. Availability and cover depend on insurer acceptance, policy terms, exclusions, limits and deductibles.