Compliance · 2026
PT insurance — what you actually need
The essentials
The 3 policies every PT needs
Buy these in order. The first two are non-negotiable; the third is strongly recommended.
1. Public Liability (£5m–£10m)
Covers you if a client (or a member of the public) is injured or has property damaged because of something you did. Every gym in London will ask for this before letting you on the floor.
2. Professional Indemnity (£1m+)
Covers claims that your advice or programme caused harm or financial loss. Critical the moment you write online programmes, nutrition plans or rehab work.
3. Personal Accident
If you injure yourself and can’t train clients for 6 weeks, this pays a weekly amount. Most PTs forget it — and it’s the one that actually saves your rent if you tear something.
4. Equipment cover (optional)
Worth it if you own £1k+ of mobile kit (sled, sandbags, plates) you transport between sites. Otherwise skip — most theft is excluded anyway.
Pricing
What UK PT insurance actually costs in 2026
Indicative ranges from CIMSPA-recognised providers. Compare 3 quotes before buying.
Solo PT, no specialisms · £55–£90/yr
Single-discipline 1:1 coach. Public liability £5m + professional indemnity £1m. Online clients usually included.
Group / class instructor · £75–£140/yr
Add-on for group sessions and bootcamps. Higher liability often required by parks teams and council venues.
Sports massage / soft-tissue · £120–£220/yr
Higher PI tier because hands-on work has a higher claims rate. Insure4Sport and Balens are the usual go-tos.
Studio owner / multi-coach · £400+/yr
Once you have employees or sub-contractors you also need Employers’ Liability (£10m, legally required from your first hire).
FAQ
Quick answers
Is PT insurance legally required in the UK?
Public liability isn't legally required to trade as a sole-trader PT, but every commercial gym, council leisure centre and venue insurer will require evidence of cover before letting you on the floor. Treat it as mandatory in practice from day one.
What level of cover do I actually need?
Most UK PT policies offer £5m or £10m public liability — this is the standard gyms ask for. Professional indemnity should be at least £1m if you write online programmes, nutrition plans or rehab work where bad advice could cause loss.
How much does PT insurance cost per year?
Entry-level cover from CIMSPA-recognised providers (Insure4Sport, Protectivity, Westminster) is around £55–£90 per year for a single-discipline PT. Specialists (sports massage, kettlebells, strength sport) and group instructors usually add £10–£30.
Does my Level 3 qualification cover insurance?
No. The qualification proves you can train people; insurance protects you when something goes wrong. They're separate. You also need to keep your CPD up to date — most insurers void cover if your qualifications have lapsed.
Do I need separate insurance for online clients?
Check your policy wording. Most modern PT policies include online coaching as standard, but some older ones don't. If you sell programmes outside the UK or to clients you've never met in person, ask the insurer to confirm in writing.