As a physiotherapist, you may find that running your business from home offers an appropriate balance—lowered costs and greater flexibility.

However, as with any business, there are risks and working from home carries risks that may not be on your radar.

What are they?

What are the potential risks?

Slips and falls

Slips and falls can happen anywhere.

Whether your business is located at a clinic or based out of your home, there are risks if a slip or fall occurs.

If a patient or client slipped and fell within your premises, they could file a claim against you and/or your business.

While accidents such as these are beyond your control, having sufficient insurance cover could offer you support and peace of mind.

Check the professional indemnity and public and products liability cover you have and if it extends to cover these risks when providing your professional services from home.

Mistakes and errors

Even the most experienced and diligent physiotherapists can make mistakes.

Human error can happen anywhere—while practising from your home-based business, practising from your clinic or working offsite.

If a patient believes an injury happened as a result of your professional services or because of a product you sold, they could file a claim against you and/or your business.

If either of these scenarios were to occur, your insurance may or may not extend to cover these risks while practising from home.

Check your professional indemnity and public and products liability insurance policy or speak to your broker to ensure you have suitable cover.

Theft, damage and interruptions

Working from your home-based business carries risks that aren’t necessarily covered under your home and contents insurance policy.

This might include damage, theft or the loss of professional equipment.

If your professional equipment is stolen, for example, your domestic insurance is unlikely to cover it.

Domestic insurance will often apply only to circumstances associated with your home, not your business.

Make sure you understand what is covered by your home and contents insurance and speak to your broker to learn what options could help you avoid business interruptions.

How do I know I have the right cover?

To assess what cover is right for you, consider asking the following questions:

• Where is equipment stored and used?
• Where is your business run? (Is it run in a secondary unit on your home property? Or in a spare room of your house?)
• Do you sell products?

How can BMS help?

BMS is the official insurance broker for the APA.

As an APA member, you have exclusive access to a range of insurance options to cover your business.

Speak to BMS on 1800 931 068 or email apa@bmsgroup.com for more information.

Disclaimer: The APA is acting as a distributor of BMS. Any advice provided by BMS is general advice only and BMS has not considered whether it is suitable for your particular objectives, needs or financial situation. Please read the Policy Wording and BMS Financial Services Guide before making any decision about purchasing this policy.