In the modern business and commercial world, pretty much every organisation has some kind of online presence. Personal and financial information is exchanged on a daily basis, which has seen cybercrime emerge as a significant threat to businesses in every sector.

The healthcare sector handles vast amounts of sensitive client data, including medical records, making these organisations a prime target for cybercriminals and hackers.

Cybercrime can destroy user trust and inflict devastating reputational damage on a healthcare organisation. There are also legal implications to be considered. For those reasons, comprehensive cyber insurance coverage is a must-have for all businesses in the healthcare sector.

Do hospitals and GP surgeries need cyber insurance?

Hospitals and GP surgeries both benefit from having cyber insurance coverage – not having it can be incredibly detrimental to a healthcare-oriented organisation. 

In today’s digital environment, all healthcare providers rely increasingly on electronic data management systems rather than old-style paper trails. 

For example, medical records, patient data, test results and medical histories are all stored electronically instead of manually completed and filed. Unfortunately, this reliance on technology makes most healthcare providers extremely vulnerable to hacking, data breaches, ransomware attacks and other forms of cybercrime.

Which healthcare facilities need to be protected by cyber insurance?

Every type of healthcare facility needs the protection of cyber insurance coverage, including:

  • Hospitals
  • Clinics and medical practices
  • Nursing homes
  • Pharmacies
  • Rehabilitation centres
  • Laboratories


Here’s why:

Hospitals

Hospitals store vast amounts of patient data in electronic health records (EHR) systems. They also have complex networks and numerous connected medical devices, making them prime targets for cyber attacks.

Clinics and medical practices

Clinics and medical practices also hold patient records and process sensitive medical information electronically. Despite their smaller size, these organisations can still be vulnerable to hacking and other cyber threats, especially ransomware and phishing.

Nursing homes and rehabilitation centres

Medical facilities that provide long-term care services typically handle a lot of sensitive patient information, including financial records and other data that are often targeted by cybercriminals.

Pharmacies

Your local pharmacy stores patient information, prescription data and financial records electronically. It also performs transactions via online platforms, making it a potential target for cyber attacks.

Laboratories

Laboratories process sensitive patient data and store medical test results. They often use sophisticated laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and other digital platforms vulnerable to cyber threats.

As you can see, regardless of the nature of the healthcare facility and its size, any organisation that handles patient data electronically should consider cyber insurance.

Essential cyber protection for the healthcare sector

So, what kind of cyber protection is essential for the healthcare sector?

Given the increasing sophistication and frequency of cyber attacks targeting organisations of all types within the healthcare sector, cyber insurance coverage offers financial protection and helps mitigate the other risks associated with cybercrime.

How does cyber insurance protect GP surgeries and hospitals?

Cyber insurance protects GP surgeries, hospitals and other healthcare organisations by providing the following coverage:

Data breach response costs

Cyber insurance covers the costs of any expenses incurred to investigate the breach, notify all those affected, credit monitoring services and public relationship management.

Business interruption

When cybercriminals strike, the mayhem caused can see an organisation’s daily operations brought to an abrupt standstill. Cyber insurance covers the cost of lost income and additional expenses incurred because of the disruption of normal business operations.

Cyber extortion

Cyber insurance can cover cyber extortion, the ransom payment and associated expenses if a hospital or GP surgery falls victim to ransomware.

Legal fees and regulatory fines

Cyber insurance coverage helps cover the costs of legal defence and regulatory fines incurred following a data breach or cyber incident.

Cyber liability

This element of your cyber insurance policy provides coverage for legal action alleging negligence, failure to protect sensitive information, or other errors related to cybersecurity.

How much does cyber insurance cost for the healthcare sector?

The cost of cyber insurance for the healthcare sector varies widely, depending on the degree of risk your facility is exposed to.

Here at Stanmore Insurance, we assign you a dedicated agent who will provide a bespoke, no-obligation cyber insurance coverage quote to meet your precise needs. Call us today to find out more.

Protecting your Healthcare Organisation with Stanmore Insurance

Cybercrime, in all its many forms, is a very real threat to all businesses in the healthcare sector today.

However, a comprehensive cyber insurance policy appropriate to your organisation will provide you with protection against the costs incurred following a data breach or other cyber incident. 

When it comes to healthcare, getting your facility up and running again as soon as possible is paramount, and cyber insurance can ensure that happens.