Research and testing laboratories handling samples, analysing materials or providing scientific testing services.

Where the sector’s exposures differ

A research laboratory, an accredited pathology laboratory and a laboratory supplying products have different roles. Misidentified samples, inaccurate results, contamination and sample loss can lead to financial loss or injury allegations. State whether results are used for clinical decisions or research only.

Insurance covers to assess

Review professional indemnity or errors and omissions for testing, liability for samples in custody, products liability where products are supplied, and property for instruments or stored materials. Freezer failure and deterioration require careful wording review; ordinary property cover may not include every cause of sample loss.

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 sample is misidentified and a sponsor alleges that a dataset must be rebuilt. Retesting costs and consequential study delay need assessment under the relevant service wording.

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

Test methods and intended use; sample types and values; accreditation where relevant; storage and backup systems; clinical versus research reporting; contracts; outsourced tests.

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 laboratory accreditation establish insurance cover?

No. Accreditation can inform underwriting but does not establish the insured activities or losses. NATA’s medical laboratory programme is distinct from a policy’s insuring clauses.

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
• Life Science Research Consultant 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.