Table of contents
Doulas are allied healthcare professionals providing advice on lactation and other matters regarding pregnancy. Being a doula can be a rewarding career, but it comes with risks. Accidents and incidents can happen during childbirth, which is why doulas need to have insurance coverage. In this article, we will explore the different types of doula insurance policies, and discuss the coverage limits, costs, and add-ons for each type of insurance.
Yes, doulas generally need insurance coverage. While it may not be a legal requirement in all jurisdictions, having insurance is strongly recommended for doulas to protect themselves and their clients in case of unforeseen events.
Insurance not only safeguards doulas in the event of legal claims or lawsuits but also provides reassurance to clients who may prefer to work with a doula with the appropriate coverage. If a doula covered by insurance makes a mistake or runs into an unexpected situation, they won’t lose their assets to a lawsuit.
Doulas need to consult with insurance providers or professional doula associations in their region to understand the specific insurance requirements and options available to them.
| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per occurrence limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
| Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
| Products and completed operations aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Advertising injury coverage aggregate limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Tenant’s legal liability coverage limit | $300,000/$1,000,000 | $300,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Waiver of subrogation included? | Yes | No | Included | Can be included | No |
| Hired/non-owned auto liability coverage included? | Yes | No | No | Can be included | Can be included |
| Equipment breakdown floater included? | No | Yes | Yes | Can be included | Can be included |
| Can you get a certificate of insurance online? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Name additional insureds? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Deductible | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
To minimize the risk of business loss in case of an unforeseen incident, including general liability coverage in your bundled policy is crucial. This type of coverage is widely recognized as one of the most vital components of business insurance, as it is relied upon by companies across various industries. The reality is that any business can face the possibility of legal action and the associated financial obligations resulting from accidents attributed to their operations. The insurance covers claims for bodily injuries, property damage, libel, and copyright infringement.
The coverage limits can range from $100,000 to $2,000,000, depending on the insurance provider and the specific policy. You can use this to cover legal expenses, medical expenses, settlements, and other related costs.
General liability insurance for doulas is not typically required by law, but many hospitals, birth centers, and clients may require doulas to have this coverage.
| CoverWallet | NEXT | Thimble (Best) | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per occurrence limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Name additional insureds? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waiver of subrogation included? | Yes | No | Yes | Can be included | No |
| HIPAA coverage included? | No | No | No | No | No |
| Sexual misconduct coverage included? | No | No | No | No | Can be included |
| License defense coverage included? | No | No | No | No | Can be included |
| Deductible | $500 | $500 | $500 | $50/$10,000 | $500 |
Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance protects doulas from claims against them for mistakes or negligence. This insurance is important for doulas who provide professional services to expectant mothers and their families as it provides financial protection in case of errors or omissions.
Coverage limits for E&O insurance for doulas can range from $100,000 to $2 million or more, depending on the insurance carrier and the level of coverage required by the doula.
Doula malpractice insurance and errors and omissions insurance safeguard doulas from harming clients. Both plans cover legal fees and compensation if a doula is proven negligent or guilty of professional misconduct. “Errors and omissions insurance” and “malpractice insurance” are sometimes used interchangeably, reflecting the doula’s professional liability focus.
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| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $260,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $25,000 | $60,000 |
| Contents coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $22,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $25,000 | $60,000 |
| Outdoor signs | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| Accounts receivable | Excluded | Excluded | $5,000/10,000 | Included | Excluded |
| Money and securities | Excluded | $2,500 | $1,000 | Included | Excluded |
| Lock and keys | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| Business interruption floater | Excluded | Included | Included | Included | Excluded |
| Equipment breakdown floater | Excluded | Included | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| Inland marine insurance floater | Excluded | Excluded | $10,000 | Excluded | Excluded |
| Employee dishonesty floater | Excluded | $5,000 | $2,500 | Included | Excluded |
Commercial property insurance covers a business’s physical assets against damage or loss. This policy covers their office equipment, supplies, furniture, and other business property.
The coverage limit for doulas can vary depending on the insurance provider. The coverage typically ranges from $10,000 to $100,000 or more.
The reasonable coverage limit for your commercial property insurance policy will depend on several factors, including the value of your business property, the level of risk associated with your business operations, and your budget. Working with an insurance agent or broker specializing in commercial property insurance for doulas is important to help you determine the appropriate coverage limit.
| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $260,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $25,000 | $60,000 |
| Contents coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $22,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $25,000 | $60,000 |
| Outdoor signs | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| Accounts receivable | Excluded | Excluded | $5,000/10,000 | Included | Excluded |
| Money and securities | Excluded | $2,500 | $1,000 | Included | Excluded |
A business owner’s policy (BOP) is a type of insurance policy designed for small business owners that combines general liability insurance and commercial property insurance in one policy. By bundling these two coverages, a BOP can often be purchased at a lower premium than if the coverages were purchased separately.
Coverage limits for a BOP differ based on the size of the business and the specific risks it faces. Generally, coverage limits range from $500,000 to $2 million.
A BOP can include business interruption insurance, which can cover a business’s lost income and expenses that have to shut down temporarily due to a covered loss, such as a fire or natural disaster.
| NEXT | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggregate limit | $3,000/$10,000 | $2,500/$5,000 | $15,000/$25,000 | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Covers hired and borrowed equipment? | $3,000/$10,000 | $2,500/$5,000 | No | Yes |
| Miscellaneous equipment also covered? | $5,000/$10,000 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Offered as an endorsement to general liability insurance? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Deductible | $500 | $500 | $0 | $0 |
Tools and equipment insurance provides financial protection in case of unexpected events that could result in losing or damaging your essential tools and equipment. This coverage extends to baby scales, educational materials, and other equipment vital to your doula practice.
Whether your equipment is stolen, lost, or accidentally damaged, tools and equipment insurance can help cover the cost of repair or replacement, ensuring that you can continue providing care to your clients.
Tools and equipment insurance offers $5,000-$25,000 coverage for repair or replacement expenses.
It depends on the specific policy and the insurance provider. Some policies may include coverage for rented or borrowed equipment, while others may not. It’s important to review the policy details carefully and ask your insurance provider about any specific items you plan to rent or borrow to ensure they are covered under the policy.
As a doula, providing client support and care is at the core of your work. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that accidents or injuries can happen, even in the course of your profession.
To protect yourself and your employees, it’s essential to consider workers compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs in the event of work-related injuries or illnesses.
If you are a sole proprietor without any employees, you may be able to opt out of workers compensation insurance in some states. However, it is important to check your state’s laws and regulations to ensure that you are compliant.
Excess Liability Insurance, also known as Umbrella Insurance, is a type of policy that provides additional coverage beyond the limits of a primary insurance policy. This insurance is designed to protect Doulas against large liability claims that exceed the limits of their primary insurance policy.
The coverage limits for Excess Liability Insurance can range from $1 million to $10 million or more, depending on the needs of the Doula and the requirements of their clients.
Doulas should consider the coverage limits and any exclusions or limitations of the policy when choosing an excess liability policy. They should also consider the cost of the policy and any add-ons that may be necessary to provide the additional protection they need.
In today’s digital age, where sensitive information is stored and transmitted electronically, protecting your client’s data and your own business from cyber threats is of utmost importance.
As a doula, you may handle personal and confidential information about your clients, making you a potential target. Cyber liability insurance is designed to help mitigate the financial and reputational risks of cyber incidents.
The coverage limits for doulas typically range from $100,000 to $1 million, depending on the insurance provider and the specific needs of the doula business.
Any business that stores or handles sensitive client information, such as personal health or financial data, can benefit from Cyber Liability Insurance. This includes doula businesses that collect and store client information, such as medical histories and insurance information.
Postpartum doulas are crucial in supporting new mothers and their families postpartum. As a postpartum doula covered by insurance, you provide valuable assistance with newborn care, breastfeeding support, emotional well-being, and household tasks. While you focus on helping families adjust to their new lives, protecting yourself and your business with postpartum doula insurance is essential. The coverage options can go up to $2 million per claim.
As a postpartum doula, you likely use various tools and equipment, such as breastfeeding supplies, baby scales, or educational materials. Postpartum doula insurance can cover loss, theft, or damage to your personal property and equipment. This coverage ensures that you can replace essential items without incurring significant financial burdens.
| Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Deductible | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General liability insurance | $28 | $336 | $0-$500 |
| Professional liability insurance | $46 | $552 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Commercial property insurance | $60 | $720 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Business owner’s policy | $72 | $864 | $1,500 |
| Tools and equipment insurance | $31 | $372 | $500-$1,000 |
| Commercial auto insurance | $63 | $756 | $500-$1,000 |
| Workers compensation insurance | $87 | $1,044 | $2,500-$5,000 |
| Cyber liability insurance | $75 | $900 | $500-$1,000 |
| Excess liability insurance | $35 | $420 | $500-$1,000 |
The average doula insurance cost is $28 per month or $336 per year for a $1 million general liability policy. The cost of doula insurance can vary depending on coverage type, location, years of experience, etc. Here’s a table showing the cost of a $1 million general liability policy from the best companies:
| Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEXT | $12 | $144 | Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for doulas |
| CoverWallet | $15 | $180 | Comparing doula insurance quotes online |
| The Hartford | $17 | $204 | Workers compensation insurance for doulas |
| Tivly | $19 | $228 | Comparing doula insurance quotes over the phone |
| Thimble | $21 | $252 | On-demand insurance coverage |
| Hiscox | $23 | $276 | Customizable policies and financial stability |
Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!
As a doula, it’s essential to have proper insurance coverage in case of any accidents, incidents, or malpractice claims. There are several insurance companies that cover doulas, and it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. These are the companies we recommend. Read some of the reviews below to know their pros, cons, and average rate for a $1 million general liability policy.
By choosing NEXT, doulas can benefit from flexible coverage options designed to provide financial protection in the face of accidents, injuries, property damage, or claims of professional negligence.
Whether protecting against liability claims or safeguarding valuable equipment, NEXT strives to provide doulas with peace of mind, knowing that their businesses are adequately protected.
To learn more about the insurance solutions offered by NEXT for doulas, it is recommended to visit their official website or contact their customer service representatives for detailed information and personalized assistance.
Best for: Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for doulas
Average cost: $12 per month
Our rating: 10/10
CoverWallet is an online insurance broker that provides small businesses with a streamlined and user-friendly way to manage their insurance needs. The platform provides access to a wide range of insurance products, including general liability insurance, professional liability accurately y insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, commercial property insurance, and more
Best for: Comparing doula insurance quotes online
Average cost: $15 per month
Our rating: 10/10
The Hartford is a well-established insurance provider that offers various insurance coverage options. The company has been in business for over 200 years and has an A+ rating from A.M. Best, indicating excellent financial stability.
Best for: Workers compensation insurance for doulas
Average cost: $17 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Tivly offers a comprehensive range of business insurance options, encompassing general liability, commercial property, and workers’ compensation insurance. This platform is particularly beneficial for business owners seeking efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as it facilitates connections with insurance providers that align with their specific requirements, ultimately saving them time and money. Call now to compare quotes over the phone.
Best for: Comparing doula insurance quotes over the phone
Average cost: $19 per month
Our rating: 9/10
Thimble offers short-term liability insurance policies that can be tailored to specific business activities or events. The coverage can be purchased by the hour, day, week, or month, allowing users to have insurance precisely when they need it. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for freelancers, contractors, and gig workers with varying project durations and insurance requirements.
Best for: On-demand insurance coverage
Average cost: $21 per month
Our rating: 9/10
Hiscox is an international specialist insurance company that provides individuals with a wide range of insurance products and services. Hiscox has a strong presence in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, serving diverse industries and sectors. It has a reputation for its expertise in underwriting complex risks and has established itself as a trusted insurance provider.
Best for: Customizable policies and financial stability
Average cost: $23 per month
Our rating: 9/10
CM&F Group is an insurance provider that offers coverage options for healthcare professionals, including doulas. Their doula insurance policy covers general and professional liability, property damage, and medical payments.
CM&F is a specialized provider offering postpartum doula insurance. Their insurance coverage is specifically designed to cater to your unique requirements. With a focus on safeguarding your assets, license, and professional reputation, CM&F’s exceptional professional liability insurance gives postpartum birth doulas a sense of security and tranquility.
Best for: Affordable coverage with comprehensive protection
Average cost: $33 per month
Our rating: 9/10
10 / 10
For me this company has proven to be the best to do business with and worth my hard earned money. Contractors this is your company look no further.
7.7 / 10
Decent experience with Hiscox business insurance
10 / 10
Best insurance ever
10 / 10
Coolest concept, I wish this was applied to other insurance products too.
10 / 10
Good company. Good and knowledgable customer service. If they don't know something they will pass you on to a more experienced rep that is more knowledgable. So far so good.
10 / 10
Simple online quoting and purchase. excellent mobile app. claims filing via phone, website or app. Combines competitive rates with excellent customer experience. Progressive provides all of the coverage a small business needs. not to mention its financial strength
10 / 10
Excellent business insurance coverage tailored to your business needs in good rates, professional customer service, pays claims fast and fairly. Recommended!
0 / 10
Not recommended, worst company I've dealt with. Denying claims regularly.
9.4 / 10
Fastest ever online insurance quote and purchase! Also, great rates and professional customer reps that helps with whatever you need, if you need. Nice company!
Paul Burns Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
It has been 70 days since I made a claim on the roof of my building. No one from the company will return calls. We are in hurricane season and located in Louisiana. My building is tarped to secure it.
2.8 / 10
Embroker sells a product that it doesn't honor. We purchased a combination D&O and EPLI policy. However, when it came to renewal, it told us that we only had D&O coverage even through our ACCORD certificate clearly mentions we have both. Basically they refused to honor the EPLI coverage and will leave you hanging with the bag. At time of renewal, they more than doubled our quote to get similar coverage. Basically BAIT & SWITCH. Unacceptable tactics. Easy to buy and pay but you may not be... Read More
Felicia Broadus Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
They are the worst, my truck was hit in January 23 and the claim adjuster has not been out to this very day! They have every excuse in the book as to why. They have not been to the collision shop. PLEASE AVOID THESE SCAM ARTIST!
Felicia Broadus Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
Avoid these SCAM ARTISTS! They don’t pay claims!!! Save yourself the trouble and money!
Kasey Arey Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
This company gives you a price that was in place for a year and when you have to use it there is fine print were they can go back and charge you more. Would not recommend them to any one. Crooks
John Murphy Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
Worst insurance comapny I have ever dealt with. A commercial vehicle represented by GUARD t boned my wife and daughters family vehicle in the middle of the day. Driver was cited and insurance claim insued. Fast forward 4 months and refusal of full amount of claim is still happening. Driver was found guilty, repairs started on my vehicle and when it comes to the final bill and diminished value we cannot get any help. I am out a family car, have an injured and traumatized wife and children,... Read More
Harshadray Patel Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
Extremely bad service, when you call , will make you wait on the phone for ever (over an Hour) and still no one to answer , so you end up hanging up. To cancel the policy, bounce you from one department to the other. They are supposed to refund from the date other insurance started and after sending the proof of other insurance policy, still they did not refund based on that actual date instead they use the date i managed to get hold of them. They charged me $7000.00 for a year's insurance on... Read More
Aaron Wensel Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
Guard Insurance is terrible. They were so bad I cancelled them because them couldn't figure out why I would never get a paper copy of the bill . Verified my address with them and still intermittent billing. I cancelled them in March through my local broker. Today 6/27 I get a letter in the mail from a collections company saying I owe 87.97. This was the first myself or my broker heard of owing this money. Here is some advice for this failure of a company send me a god damn bill and I will pay.... Read More
Michael Swink Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
My employer had to have workers compensation by law. He obtained a policy through this Berkshire Hathaway GUARD and they failed me. I fell from a ladder and fractured my spine in 7 different places, my clavicle in 4 places, and the base of my skull. Going to my Dr visits I was prescribed medication for pain and the insurance company placed a pre-authorization hold on me picking up the medication from Walgreens. The hold lasted 5 days! My weekly benefits have never been on time, right now... Read More
2 / 10
I never purchased the policy. The person I spoke with "Bruce" was condescending and argumentative. He kept repeating himself and talking in circles telling me what I HAVE TO DO, basically trying to bully me into purchasing commercial insurance. I wouldn't use this company if they were paying me!
2.8 / 10
Great platform. Terrible policy. There is no teeth behind it. No coverage. It's a fake policy that they sell. Sold us an EPLI policy that later we came to find out had no EPLI coverage. Amazing that they can get away with outright fraud. Check the positive reviews. They are all 'Anonymous' posted by Emroker staff. Stay away and find a real policy that will actually provide you coverage. We've been bitten by them and hope to find restitution via a lawsuit.
10 / 10
Liberty Mutual is one of the more simple companies to deal with. I had to file a claim for my business owner policy after I caught one of my employees stealing a large amount of products from my business. Liberty mutual paid the claim fast and with no efforts. I wish the legal process was as easy…
10 / 10
Highest level of plan and customer service
10 / 10
For me this company has proven to be the best to do business with and worth my hard earned money. Contractors this is your company look no further.
7.7 / 10
Decent experience with Hiscox business insurance
10 / 10
Best insurance ever
10 / 10
Coolest concept, I wish this was applied to other insurance products too.
9.4 / 10
Very pleased with Hiscox - their small business insurance rates are very good and they specialize in small business which gives me a peace of mind as a small business owner. So far so good!
10 / 10
Their customer service is absolutely fantastic. Very patient, knowledgable and provided excellent explanation of the purchased policy. I would highly recommend this insurance company to anyone that's looking to protect their business from unexpected expense. Thank you Hiscox for doing a great job for my business!
0.6 / 10
STAY AWAY! I wouldn't recommend hiscox small business liability insurance to anyone. Better not waste both your money and your time. Hiscox customer service is extremely unpleasant, not organized and not professional. It is the worst company we have dealt with in almost 25 years in business!
10 / 10
Good company. Good and knowledgable customer service. If they don't know something they will pass you on to a more experienced rep that is more knowledgable. So far so good.
10 / 10
Extremely fast and simple. Wasted a lot of time and money until I found these guys! I feel like my business is in good hands now.
10 / 10
My experience with AAA's business insurance was fairly good. Customer service is excellent, coverage is broad, claims process was efficient. I do recommend them.
10 / 10
Simple online quoting and purchase. excellent mobile app. claims filing via phone, website or app. Combines competitive rates with excellent customer experience. Progressive provides all of the coverage a small business needs. not to mention its financial strength
0 / 10
State Farm's business insurance was such a bad choice for us. Worst communication, very unprofessional. Been insured for over 12 years through a local statefarm agent who we were having insurance for our own home, our personal cars, our own health insurance, workers compensation, all of our commercial autos that serve our business - our agent didn't inform us of raising our premium rates, of certain inspections, and send us very rude emails upon our policy cancellations that were caused by his... Read More
10 / 10
Extremely helpful, kind and knowledgable customer service team! I received a business insurance package that was tailored and personalized to my exact business needs! Excellent liability insurance. Their pricing for business insurance is not the most affordable you'll find, however it's better to pay more and know that you are covered well. We got coverage for $1M. In regards to claims, I haven't had any experience so cannot attest, but the rest was excellent so I'm sure claims will be great as... Read More
10 / 10
Customer service is fast and efficient. They were very caring about issues that we faced, checked them all and resolved our claims fast. State Farm is an excellent company. They gave us excellent business insurance coverage that was customized to our precise needs. We worked together to build the most suitable coverage to our needs, nothing more or less, while making sure the rate is good enough. State Farm's business insurance cost was very good compared to other companies, while maintaining a... Read More
10 / 10
Excellent business insurance coverage tailored to your business needs in good rates, professional customer service, pays claims fast and fairly. Recommended!
10 / 10
highly recommended!
9.8 / 10
Chubb provides business insurance coverage for all size of businesses, from small local ones to huge multinational corporates, they are very fast to respond to your claims, their business insurance coverage is very advanced while being tailored to your needs, aka covering you from all sides without over-covering you to make you pay more like some companies do. I'm a very satisfied customer.
9.7 / 10
Very annoyed in 2020 they do not offer online quotes, however they are great at everything else. The coverage is amazing, customer service is world class, value of money is great (even when their rates are not the cheapest), fast and excellent handling of claims, very dedicated and business focused. The only other issue is since they cover all types and sizes of businesses, they do not seem to specialize in any of them specifically.
Not all those who wander are lost.
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