Do you have social media insurance? (Part One)
Do you have social media insurance? (Part One)
Don’t post videos online, get influencer insurance, your already covered, no your not. It’s fine just as long as no one from America watches them! I have heard all of these responses and none of them are helpful.
This is part one of my findings. In part two I will share the input from two well-known industry insurance companies.
Do you need extra insurance to post professional content on social media?
My Disclaimer: This is an opinion piece based on my research and understanding as a UK-registered physiotherapist (MCSP) and health content creator. It should not be interpreted as legal or definitive insurance advice. Always consult with your professional body and insurance provider for specific guidance related to your circumstances.
Why am I writing this?
As a fellow healthcare professional actively involved in creating and sharing health-related content on social media, and as someone who guides others in this space, I recognize the growing need for clarity on the insurance implications of our online activities. This document aims to provide some initial insights based on my research and discussions.
My Findings: Four Perspectives
My exploration into this area has revealed four distinct viewpoints that healthcare professionals should consider:
- Existing Public Liability Insurance (PLI) May Offer Some Coverage (With Caveats):
The initial feedback I've received suggests that your existing professional Public Liability Insurance (PLI) may extend to your publicly published content (text, images, video). This hinges on the crucial understanding that the advice you provide online is for general educational purposes only and is explicitly not intended to replace individual, professional medical advice.
The key principle here is the absence of a direct professional duty of care established with a general online audience. You are not assessing individual needs or providing tailored treatment plans through your public content. Your aim is to inform and educate on broader health topics.
However, this is a critical point requiring careful consideration. While PLI covers your professional activities, the line between general education and inadvertently establishing a professional relationship or offering specific advice can be blurry online.
On the Health Creator Pro course we will consider this in more depth but for now you may wish to refrain from responding to questions?
- The Rise of "Media Liability" or "Influencer Insurance": A Lucrative Market?
Insurance companies operate by identifying and mitigating risks, and the burgeoning field of online content creation presents new potential liabilities. Consequently, specific insurance products like "media liability insurance" or "influencer insurance" are emerging. These policies are often marketed to cover risks such as defamation, copyright infringement, and breach of privacy related to online content.
While the allure of comprehensive coverage and peace of mind is understandable, it's essential to critically evaluate whether this type of insurance is truly a necessary "safety net" for healthcare professionals creating educational content.
- "Exclusions Apply": The Devil is in the Detail
Regardless of the type of insurance you consider, a crucial step is to meticulously examine the policy's exclusions. A seemingly comprehensive policy might have clauses that significantly limit its coverage in areas relevant to your online activities.
For instance, a cheap or quickly obtained policy might exclude liabilities arising from professional advice (even if unintentionally given online) or specific types of online content. As the CSP guidance on digital and virtual physiotherapy highlights, understanding the nuances of your insurance coverage in the digital space is paramount.
- Mitigate the risk before you post.
The standards expected of you as a professional do not change because you are communicating through social media, rather than face to face or through other methods of communication. However social media is constantly evolving, as are societal norms and expectations. Be careful you don’t accidentally breech your professional standards while trying out a new viral trend or trying to be funny.
This is one of the extra topics that we will cover in full during the Health Creator Pro mentorship.
I will let you know when I hear back from the insurance companies regarding social media content and their PLI.
Have a good week
Daniel
