Do I Need Insurance as a Doula?
As a doula, your primary focus is supporting your clients. However, before you can do that you need to make a good number of decisions about your business and how it will operate. From insurance considerations to marketing strategies, each choice plays a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of your professional journey as a doula. As for the common question asked by new doulas: “Do I need insurance?” - Yes, it's generally advisable for doulas to have insurance. Insurance serves as a safety net, providing protection for both you and your clients
4 Types of Insurance You Should Consider as a Doula:
1. Professional Liability Insurance:
This type of insurance is absolutely necessary for doulas and is now required by many training organizations and doula agencies. It shields you from claims stemming from errors or negligence while conducting your professional services. For example, if a doula advises a client on a course of action during during birth or gives advice on how to swaddle, and there is an adverse outcome, the client might claim that the advice caused unnecessary damage or discomfort. Professional liability insurance can cover legal fees and any resulting damages, offering peace of mind to both parties.
2. General Liability Insurance:
General liability insurance is needed to provide coverage for unexpected incidents during your work, such as accidental damage to a client's property while setting up for a prenatal appointment or a slip-and-fall accident that occurs during your childbirth education workshop. This insurance ensures that you are protected against potential claims of injury or property damage, allowing you to focus on your clients' needs without worry.
3. Health Insurance:
Many doulas are self-employed which means you’ll need to pay out of pocket for health insurance and find a plan that best suits you. Investing in health insurance ensures that you can seek preventative medical services and acute care when needed, allowing you to maintain optimal health while supporting others through pregnancy and childbirth.
4. Auto Insurance:
As a doula, reliable transportation is essential—you’re often on call, rushing to births at all hours, and traveling between client homes, hospitals, and birth centers. Having the right auto insurance coverage protects you in case of accidents, vehicle damage, or unexpected road incidents. If you use your car for business purposes, including transporting clients or traveling frequently for doula work, consider checking with your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage. Some personal auto policies may not fully cover business-related travel, especially if you transport clients, so you might need to explore other options. Ensuring you’re properly covered not only protects you but also provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on supporting your clients without the added stress of potential financial risks on the road.
What is Professional Liability Insurance and Why Do Doulas Need It?
Professional liability insurance (also called errors and omissions insurance) protects doulas from potential legal claims related to their work. While doulas don’t provide medical care, misunderstandings or disputes with clients can still arise. If a client believes you provided inadequate support or gave misleading information, they could take legal action. Having liability insurance ensures you have financial protection and legal backing if a claim is ever made against you. It also provides credibility and reassurance for clients who want to know you’re covered.
When Do Doulas Need Liability Insurance?
Certain situations may require you to carry liability insurance. Here’s when it might be non-negotiable:
Working with Doula Agencies or Doula Collectives: Many group practices require their members to be insured as part of their agreement and to add them as “additional insured” on the policy.
Hospital-Based Work: Some hospitals may mandate liability coverage for all birth workers, including doulas employed by the hospital itself, before granting access to patients.
Insurance Reimbursement: If you accept clients whose services are reimbursed by insurance (like TRICARE, Medicaid or private insurance), liability insurance may be a prerequisite for payment.
How Do I Find Liability Insurance as a Doula?
Not all insurance policies are created equal. Some providers cater specifically to doulas, while others lump doulas into general liability categories. Understanding the details can save you from purchasing a policy that doesn’t actually cover your work. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:
CM&F Group
Offers professional liability insurance for birth and postpartum doulas, however, they do not cover home births, which is a major issue if you attend them. CM&F coverage may be best for doulas who work strictly in hospital settings or birth centers.
Alternative Balance
This company offers a bit more flexibility, covering both hospital and home births. This is best for independent doulas who attend home births and need tailored coverage to match their practice.
What to Consider When Choosing a Policy
Before you sign up for any insurance plan, ask yourself these key questions:
How Much Does it Cost? Are the premiums reasonable (you’re likely looking at $200-$400 a year depending on coverage), and does the insurance provider offer flexible payment options (monthly vs. annual)?
What is Included in Coverage? Does the policy include all the types of births and services you provide (e.g., home births, postpartum care, placenta encapsulation, private prenatal yoga)?
What’s the Coverage Limit? Does the policy provide enough financial protection if a claim is made against you? If you aren’t sure, ask a representative at the company before deciding on your coverage.
Is Anything Excluded? Are there any loopholes or exclusions that could leave you vulnerable?
In addition to the practical benefits mentioned here, having insurance adds a layer of professionalism to your doula practice. It demonstrates a commitment to ethical standards and client safety, which can be reassuring for your clients. As we already mentioned, many professional doula associations and certifying bodies require their members to carry insurance as part of their professional standards, underscoring its importance within the field.
Liability insurance might not be legally required everywhere, but in certain cases, it’s a must. Even if it’s optional, having coverage can offer peace of mind—both for you and your clients. The key is choosing the right provider based on your practice, risk factors, and budget. Don’t just grab the first policy you see—read the fine print and make sure you’re actually covered where it counts.