Counselling Insurance
Specialist cover for qualified counsellors & psychotherapists from £3.14* per month.
- 200 therapy activities covered
- Counselling liability cover up to £5 million
- Join over 150,000 customers**
From only £3.14* per month
What does counselling insurance cover?
Our specialist insurance for counselling is designed for qualified practitioners like you, offering essential cover with flexible options to suit your services and the way you work. As a professional counsellor—whether you’re working independently, freelancing part-time, or running your own private practice, you need protection that reflects the nature of your work.
Depending if you hold sessions from a home office, a private clinic, or visit clients in their homes, insurance provides peace of mind that your practice is protected. With the right cover in place, you can focus fully on supporting your clients, without the added stress of worrying about what could go wrong.
Make sure you have the correct insurance for your therapy and be sure to check if any exclusions are relevant to what you have planned in policy documentation.
Public Liability
Professional Indemnity
Third Party Property Damage
Equipment
Personal Accident
Professional Indemnity and Professional Treatment
- From £1 million to £5 million of cover.
- Protection from claims by a third-party (client or member of the public) who sustains injuries or has their property damaged as a result of your actions or advice that you provide.
Public Liability and Products Liability
- From £1 million to £5 million of cover.
- Protection from claims by a third-party who sustains injuries or has their property damaged, whereby you or your business is negligible.
Third Party Property Damage
- Cover for any non-negligent loss or damage to others’ property that you may cause while providing your therapies.
Employers’ Liability
- Up to £10 million of cover.
- Protection from claims against employee incidents if someone suffers a work-related injury and brings a claim against you.
Equipment
- From £500 to £3000 worth of cover
- Cover is provided on a new for old basis for items under three years old, meaning that regardless of whether you have had the item for three months or three years, we will replace it with a brand-new equivalent if the damage is irreparable.
Equipment Hire
- From £750 worth of cover
Personal Accident
- Protection from workplace accidents.
- A selection of incidents can be claimed for under this benefit including accidental death, permanent total disablement and temporary total disablement.
Legal Expenses
- Access to a legal helpline and a counselling service in addition to legal defence costs.
- The cover can be upgraded further to include employment disputes, property disputes, health and safety disputes and more.
- Treatments you are not qualified to do.
- Treatments that are not listed on your proposal form and subsequent schedule of insurance.
- Any services provided overseas.
- Prescription or supply of medicines and other pharmaceutical.
- The use of non-proprietary products to aid your therapy.
For further information on exclusions in your cover please refer to policy documentation.
Why do counsellors need insurance?
Each client you work with brings unique challenges. From day-to-day struggles to more serious emotional or psychological issues, your role requires trust, sensitivity, and professionalism. But even when you act with care and integrity, things don’t always go to plan and unexpected situations can lead to complaints or claims.
That’s why specialist counselling insurance is essential for your business. It allows you to offer your services securely, knowing you’re covered if a claim is made against you. No matter how experienced and qualified you are, unexpected incidents can happen, so it’s best to be prepared.
Counselling insurance covers these potential situations, giving you the confidence to focus on your clients. Here’s some example scenarios that highlight why it’s so important:
Accidental client injuries.
Even in a calm, structured environment, accidents can still happen. A client might trip over a chair or slip on a floor—potentially holding you responsible.
Public liability cover protects you if a client or visitor is accidentally injured in your workspace, helping cover legal costs or compensation.
Protection against allegations of negligence.
Despite your best intentions, a client may believe your approach or advice caused them distress or harm. In such cases, you could face a formal complaint or legal claim.
Professional indemnity insurance provides crucial protection against claims of negligence, giving you the freedom to focus on your clients’ wellbeing without second-guessing every decision.
Protection if an accident prevents you working.
If you sustain an injury—whether during a session or while travelling between clients—you may be forced to take time off. For self-employed counsellors, this often means a sudden loss of income.
Personal accident cover helps bridge that financial gap by providing income support while you recover.
Damage or theft of essential counselling equipment.
If you use specialised furniture, therapeutic aids, or even digital tools as part of your sessions, losing access to them due to damage or theft can disrupt your work.
Equipment cover ensures you can repair or replace key items quickly, keeping your practice running smoothly with minimal interruption.
Our experts explain why...
“The sensitive nature of counselling work creates unique professional challenges that require specialist protection. Our counselling insurance and liability insurance for counsellors acknowledges these distinct responsibilities – from protecting you against claims relating to professional guidance, to covering the specific risks of emotional support work. As a counsellor, you’re entrusted with your clients’ emotional wellbeing and confidential information, working through complex personal issues that demand both expertise and care.
Whether you’re managing a complaint about your professional approach, handling sensitive client information, or facing claims related to therapeutic advice, our specialist coverage ensures you’re protected. We understand that counselling carries different risks than traditional professional services, which is why our policies specifically address the unique aspects of psychological and emotional support work.”
Chris Trotman, Protectivity Underwriting Manager
How much does counselling insurance cost?
At Protectivity, counselling insurance policies start at just £3.14* per month.
Investing in counselling insurance is a safeguard to maintain your own healthy state of mind and uphold professional standards.
There are varying factors that will influence the exact amount you pay for counselling insurance. It could be you have high-value specialist equipment that you need to cover, which will influence your overall price.
Prices from
£3.14* a month
Explainer quote
Policy cost
£3.14* a month
Policy type
Counselling
Public Liability
£1,000,000
Professional Indemnity
£1,000,000
Third Party Property Damage
£750
This example is based on a real quote from our website on 1/10/2024. If your circumstances and cover needs differ, your quote may be more or less expensive than the above example. The quote you receive will reflect the information you share about your event. The quoted price may vary from those displayed here.
What other therapies are covered?
You must be qualified to practice your specialised therapy to ensure your insurance is valid. Here are some popular therapy professionals we also cover, you can select your specialism when you get a quote.
Have a question?
For further information on your policy, renewals, making a claim and contacting us, you’ll find an extensive list of FAQs on our Help & Support page.
Why choose Protectivity for your counselling insurance policy?
Let the reviews of over 3,500 customers explain why you should choose us.¹
Trusted by over 150,000 customers.
Experienced insurance providers for over 30 years.
Over 3,500 highly rated reviews.
Proof of our excellent customer service.
Experienced Claims Handling
A smooth and efficient claims process.
UK Based Customer Support
Our UK sales team are here to help.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Does counselling insurance cover me for providing clinical assessments?
Yes, our Counselling Insurance can provide cover for clinical assessments, providing you have the relevant UK accredited qualifications to do so from a recognised and accredited UK training college or company.
Am I covered to take on corporate contracts?
Our Therapist Insurance policy can cover you to take on corporate contacts providing you operate as a sole trader or independent business and are not an enrolled employee of that company.
Does counselling liability insurance cover workshops and group presentations?
Yes, our Counselling Liability Insurance can provide cover for workshops and group presentations providing you have the relevant UK accredited qualifications, have carried out risk assessment prior to the session and are providing the service at someone else’s event meaning you are not the event organiser.
Please get into contact with us if you would like further clarity.
What happens if a client claims breach of confidentiality?
We can provide you with cover for breach of confidentiality under our Professional Indemnity benefit.
Does counselling insurance cover me for publishing case studies?
We can provide cover for your publishing case studies under our Professional Indemnity benefit, providing you have permission from the client of the case study.
Am I covered for temporary substitutes during illness or leave?
We can provide cover for substitutes to carry out your business counselling activities providing they hold the relevant qualifications (from a recognised and accredited UK training college or
company) and your have Employers Liability cover on your policy.
Does counselling insurance cover international clients attending online sessions?
We can provide cover for occasional counselling to clients online if they are a resident of the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man. Our Counselling insurance does not provide cover for clients who are residents of another country.
Am I covered if my client records are lost or compromised?
Our Public Liability benefit can provide cover for client records being lost or compromised, providing that you have taken steps to prevent or minimise loss and keep the records safe.
If theft has occurred, you must ensure you have reported it to the police within 7 days.
Does counselling insurance cover me for providing emergency out-of-hours support?
Yes, we can provide cover for you counselling at any hour of the day under our Counselling Insurance.
How do I ensure I’m covered when working with high-risk clients?
Ensure you have the right UK accredited qualifications (from a recognised and accredited UK training college or company) to work with high-risk clients and permissions from a parent or guardian if required.
Does my insurance cover complementary techniques I use alongside counselling?
Our Therapist insurance provides cover for over cover for over 200 therapist activities, we can cover you for multiple activities under one policy providing they are listed and you hold the relevant UK accredited qualifications to practice them.
Our quick quote process shows a drop down of the therapies covered. If yours is not listed, please contact us by phone or email and one of our sales advisors will be able to advise.
https://secure.protectivity.com/therapist-insurance/quick-quote/activities
What happens if a client claims emotional distress from therapy?
These types of incidents can be covered under our Public Liability and Professional Indemnity policy benefits.
Am I insured for providing counselling in different settings like schools or workplaces?
Yes, we can cover for you to carry out Counselling activities anywhere within the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man providing you have permission to do so if necessary.
What cover do I need for storing client records?
Our Counselling Insurance can provide cover for storing client records under our Public Liability benefit, however it is your duty to take all practical steps to prevent and minimise loss or damage and to keep the records safe.
Does my insurance cover me if I provide crisis intervention?
Yes, our Counselling Insurance can cover for crisis intervention however you must hold the relevant certificates or qualifications from a recognised and accredited UK training college or company covering the treatments, services or duties being carried out.
Am I covered for group therapy sessions?
Yes, we can cover for group therapy sessions under our Counselling Insurance policy.
Am I covered for writing client reports and professional documentation?
Yes, providing you hold the relevant UK accredited qualification (from a recognised and accredited UK training college or company) to do so, this would be covered under our Professional Indemnity benefit.
What types of liability insurance do counsellors typically need?
Counsellors typically need the following types of liability insurance:
• Public Liability: Covers injury or property damage during sessions.
• Professional Indemnity: Protects against claims of negligence.
• Employers’ Liability: For businesses with employees, covering work-related injuryclaims.
• Equipment Insurance: Covers loss or damage to practice equipment.
• Personal Accident Insurance: Supports you financially if injured and unable to work.
These policies help protect both you and your clients.
Are there any exclusions from counselling insurance?
Our policy documents provide a complete list of what’s not covered. Typical exclusions include: Treating children without their parents/guardians consent, Prescribing or supplying medicines, Treatments that fall outside your qualifications and International clients.
We also don’t cover cases involving abuse, asbestos, communicable diseases, or work-related injuries to employees, though these exclusions apply to certain sections of the policy.
Do I need separate policies for different types of therapies?
No, our insurance policies are designed to accommodate a diverse range of therapeutic practices under one policy; however, we require that you hold appropriate qualifications for each therapy that you practice.
Am I covered for online or telephone counselling sessions?
Yes, our counselling insurance policy covers online and telephone counselling sessions, as long as these services are within the scope of your qualifications and business practices.
Does the insurance cover me if I work from home or visit clients at their homes?
Yes, the policy covers you whether you work from home, visit clients, or operate in multiple locations, as long as you’re in the UK.
Am I covered to provide counselling for patients who have been referred via the NHS?
Yes, our insurance covers you for all patients, as long as you have qualifications in the specialism that you’re providing treatment for.
Does counselling insurance cover equipment used in my practice?
Yes, equipment cover can be added as an optional extra, to protect your business equipment up to £3,000 against damage, theft or loss.
Do you need to see my counselling qualification certificates?
No. You will only need to produce your qualification certificate(s) in the event of a claim. When you purchase your insurance we will ask you to declare that you have a suitable qualification for the activity that you require cover for.
Does Counselling Insurance cover students?
No, our Therapist Insurance policy will only protect those who qualified in their chosen treatments. The qualification must be obtained by an accredited awarding body.
Do I legally need counselling insurance to practice in the UK?
Insurance is not a legal requirement for counselling; however, it is recommended that you protect you and your business against any potential claims.
Discover more from Protectivity
This page content has been created for general information and should not be taken as advice.
*Prices quoted refer to a quote raised from our website 01/10/2024. Prices will differ depending on requirements. Make sure you have the correct level of cover for what you need. For the most accurate pricing, please get a quote and for full details on what is covered refer to our policy documentation with your quote.
** Based on Protectivity sales data from 2007 to Sep 2024
¹Based on live Feefo data