As a doula, you may have heard about professional liability insurance but aren’t quite sure what it is or if you even need it. While doulas don’t require malpractice insurance, understanding liability insurance is essential, especially if you work in environments where it is required by hospitals, doula groups, or insurance companies.

What is Professional Liability Insurance for Doulas?

Professional liability insurance, sometimes referred to as “errors and omissions insurance,” covers you in case a client feels you provided inadequate or negligent services. This type of insurance is designed to protect you from the legal costs and damages resulting from claims made by your clients. Importantly, doulas do not need malpractice insurance, which is used by medical professionals like doctors, since doulas do not perform medical tasks.

Why Do You Need It?

Whether or not you need liability insurance depends on where you practice and the type of work you do. Some hospitals, doula organizations, or even health insurance companies that offer doula reimbursement may require that you carry insurance. Additionally, having insurance can provide peace of mind that your business is protected if something goes wrong during a client’s care. It also reassures clients that you are prepared and professional.

When is Insurance Required?

You might need liability insurance in specific scenarios, such as:

• Working within a hospital setting: Some hospitals require all birth workers, including doulas, to have liability insurance.
• Doula groups: Many doula collectives or agencies require insurance as part of their membership agreements.
• Reimbursement through insurance: If you’re working with clients through health insurance, especially programs like TRICARE, liability insurance might be a requirement to secure reimbursement for your services.

Comparing Insurance Providers for Doulas

Not all insurance is the same, and it’s important to choose a provider that covers your needs. Many doulas previously relied on CM&F Group, but it’s important to note that they do not cover home births, which can be a dealbreaker for some. Here’s a look at the most popular providers and how they compare:

CM&F Group

• Coverage: Professional liability for birth and postpartum doulas. However, does not cover home births.
• Best for: Doulas who work exclusively in hospital settings or agencies where homebirths are not a concern.

Alternative Balance

• Coverage: Provides broader coverage, including homebirths, and supports doulas who work independently or in various settings.
• Best for: Doulas who want more flexibility in coverage, particularly if they attend home births or have a mix of hospital and homebirth clients.

Van Wagner Group

• Coverage: Specializes in covering birth workers and alternative healthcare providers, including homebirths. They offer robust support for those looking to tailor coverage to their unique doula practice.
• Best for: Doulas who want customizable insurance options and attend home births.

What to Consider When Choosing Insurance

Here are some key questions to ask yourself when deciding which provider is best for you:

• What’s covered? Does the policy include the types of births and services I provide (e.g., homebirths, postpartum care)?
• What are the costs? Are the premiums within your budget, and do they offer monthly or yearly payment options?
• What’s the coverage limit? How much protection do you get, and does it match the potential risks involved in your practice?
• What’s excluded? Are there any exclusions that could impact your work, such as homebirths or certain procedures?

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right insurance is an important step in protecting your doula business. Whether you’re just starting or have been a doula for years, liability insurance provides a safety net in case of unexpected issues. Take the time to compare providers like CM&F Group, Alternative Balance, and Van Wagner Group, and ask yourself the key questions above to determine which option is best for you.

Have more questions? Start by thinking about what services you provide and where you practice, then ask your insurance provider how they can support you. Join us for more discussions of doula liability insurance.