AVMA RECOMMENDED INSURANCE
General Liability Insurance
Covers third-party bodily injury, property damage and legal defense costs
Professional Liability Insurance (Malpractice)
Protects against claims of errors, omissions, or negligence in the medical
treatment of animals.
Commercial Property Insurance
Covers damage to the hospital’s physical property (building, equipment,
medications, etc.) due to fire, theft, vandalism, etc.
Business Owners Policy (BOP)
A package combining general liability and commercial property insurance,
often at a lower premium.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Mandatory in most states; covers medical expenses and lost wages if an
employee is injured on the job (e.g., animal bites, slips, or exposure to
zoonotic diseases).
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
Protects against claims from employees alleging discrimination,
harassment, wrongful termination, etc
Employee Health Insurance
Optional but often provided; part of a competitive benefits package.
Animal Bailee Insurance
Covers third-party bodily injury, property damage and legal defense costs
Veterinary License Defense Insurance
Covers legal defense costs in case of licensing board investigations or
disciplinary actions
Cyber Liability Insurance
Protects against data breaches, ransomware attacks, or loss of client records
(especially with electronic health records or online appointment systems).
Commercial Auto Insurance
Necessary if the hospital uses vehicles for mobile visits, pet transportation, or
deliveries.
Medical Equipment Insurance
Covers the repair or replacement of expensive diagnostic and surgical equipment.
Business Interruption Insurance
Compensates for lost income and ongoing expenses if the hospital is forced to close
temporarily (e.g., after a fire or flood).
Umbrella Insurance
Provides additional liability coverage beyond standard policy limits.
Product Liability Insurance
If the hospital sells pet food, supplements, or medications, this covers harm caused
by those products
Key Person Insurance
Covers the loss of a crucial staff member (e.g., lead veterinarian) due to death or
disability