Medical, Surgical And Hospital Supply Store Insurance Policy Information

Medical, Surgical And Hospital Supply Store Insurance. As the owner and operator of a medical equipment and supply store, you provide doctor's offices, hospitals, and various other medical facilities with the tools their patients need.
You may also sell items to the general public, such as oxygen tanks, walkers, wheelchairs, needles and syringes. Needless to say, your task is crucial, as the products you distribute could be potentially life-saving.
However, because these equipment and supplies that you provide directly impact lives, if anything goes wrong, there is a chance that you could end up being hit with serious legal and financial issues.
Medical, surgical and supply stores offer a variety of dental, medical, and surgical instruments and supplies. Some also offer equipment rentals, such as breathing apparatus, crutches, portable oxygen tanks, or wheelchairs.
They may also offer sterilization of equipment services to dentists, physicians, or surgeons.
In order to protect yourself, your clients, and your employees from any problems that may arise, making sure that you have the right type of medical, surgical and hospital supply store insurance coverage is crucial.
What type of insurance do medical supply stores need? Read on to find out more about this vital component of your business.
Medical, surgical and hospital supply store insurance protects your business from lawsuits with rates as low as $67/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked medical supplies and equipment insurance questions:
- What Is Medical, Surgical And Hospital Supply Store Insurance?
- How Much Does Medical, Surgical And Hospital Supply Store Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Medical, Surgical And Hospital Supply Stores Need Insurance?
- What Type Of Insurance Do Medical, Surgical And Hospital Supply Stores Need?
- What Does Medical, Surgical And Hospital Supply Store Insurance Cover & Pay For?
What Is Medical, Surgical And Hospital Supply Store Insurance?
Medical, surgical and hospital supply store insurance is a type of insurance coverage specifically designed for businesses that sell medical and surgical supplies and equipment. This type of insurance protects the business from financial losses resulting from various types of risks and exposures, such as liability claims, property damage, theft, and loss of income due to business interruption.
It covers the costs of defending against lawsuits, paying for medical expenses and property damage, and repairing or replacing stolen or damaged equipment. It may also include coverage for cyber threats, such as data breaches and hacking.
Overall, medical, surgical and hospital supply store insurance provides peace of mind to business owners, allowing them to focus on providing quality products and services to their customers.
How Much Does Medical, Surgical And Hospital Supply Store Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small medical & surgical supply stores ranges from $67 to $99 per month based on location, products offered, revenue, claims history and more.
Why Do Medical, Surgical And Hospital Supply Stores Need Insurance?

Medical equipment and supply stores face many of the same risks as business owners in any industry face. For example, third parties, such as vendors or customers, could trip, fall, and suffer an injury on at your store, or a work-related accident could injure an employee.
You also face risks that are unique to your specific industry. For instance, equipment that you provide could malfunction and potentially harm a customer or not deliver the therapy that it is intended to, or a mix-up could occur and you could supply the wrong product.
While you do your best to make sure that everything runs smoothly, sometimes problems can't be avoided. For this reason, it's important to expect the unexpected by being properly insured.
With the right medical, surgical and hospital supply store insurance policies in place, if an issue does arise, instead of having to pay for the associated expenses out of your own pocket, your carrier will cover them for you.
In addition to the financial protection that insurance provides, being properly covered ensures that you are compliant with law. In order to distribute medical equipment and supplies, certain types of coverage are compulsory. If you fail to carry the necessary commercial insurance, you could end up having to deal with legal issues.
What Type Of Insurance Do Medical, Surgical And Hospital Supply Stores Need?
The specific type of medical, surgical and hospital supply store insurance coverage you'll need depends on several factors; for example, the size of your operation, the type of products you supply, and the size and location of your company.
With that said, however, there are certain types of medical, surgical and hospital supply store insurance coverage that all medical equipment and supply stores should carry, regardless of the specifics of their operation. Examples of required coverage include:
- Product Liability: This type of policy covers any financial responsibilities that may be occur as a result of defective or malfunctioning products. For instance, if a wheelchair that you distributed to a customer falls apart while they are using it and they develop an injury as a result of the defect, product liability insurance would cover any financial repercussions, such as the client's medical care and your legal defense fees, should the individual file a lawsuit against you.
- Professional Liability: You'll also need a professional liability policy. For instance, if you recommend a product to a customer, that product ends up harming them, and they require medical care and take legal action, professional liability insurance would cover the related expenses.
- General Liability: You'll also need to have general liability coverage. This policy protects you from third-party injury or property damage claims. If a vendor trips on your property while making a delivery, breaks a leg, and sues your store, general liability insurance will cover the related legal fees, as well as any compensation that you may be required to pay.
- Commercial Property: This policy protects the physical structure of your store, as well as the contents within it, from acts of nature, vandalism, and theft. If your building were to catch on fire or if a criminal were to break into your facility and steal equipment, this insurance would help to pay for any repairs that may need to be made or products that may need to be replaced.
These are just a few examples of the medical, surgical and hospital supply store insurance policies you should carry for your medical supplies business.
Medical, Surgical And Hospital Supply Store's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure is moderate due to the limited number of visitors to the store. To prevent slips and falls, there should be good lighting and adequate aisle space. All goods should be kept on easily reached shelves so customers do not pull items down on themselves.
Flooring should be in good condition with no frayed or worn spots on carpet and no cracks or holes in flooring. Steps and uneven floor surfaces should be prominently marked.
Sufficient exits must be provided and be well marked with backup lighting systems in case of power failure. Waiting areas should be provided as some customers may be sick or have impaired mobility.
The rental of medical equipment can result in additional injuries to customers who already have health problems. Equipment must be inspected and maintained after each use.
Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls. If the business is open after dark, there should be adequate lighting and appropriate security for the area. There should be a disaster plan in place for unexpected emergencies.
Personal injury exposure can arise from allegations of discrimination, invasion of customers' privacy should confidential medical information be released to unauthorized sources, and from apprehending and detaining suspected shoplifters, which may result in claims of assault and battery, false arrest or detention, unauthorized or intrusive searches, or wrongful ejection from the premises.
Employees must be trained to deal with such delicate situations properly.
Products liability exposure is normally low if no rental or sterilization operations are involved. If either is done, exposure increases significantly as customers may be injured by improperly sterilized or maintained equipment.
Foreign-made items should come from a domestic-based wholesaler. Any direct importer should be considered as a product manufacturer.
Workers compensation exposures are moderate due to employees standing for long hours, the use of computers, and restocking which requires lifting and placing items on shelves. Continual standing can result in musculoskeletal disorders of the back, legs, or feet. Trips, slips, and falls are common.
When work is done on computers, employees are exposed to eyestrain, neck strain, and repetitive motion injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome. Lifting can cause back injury, hernia, sprains, and strains. Employees should be provided with safety equipment, trained on proper handling techniques, and have conveying devices available to assist with heavy lifting.
Shelves should be easily accessible for storage. Stepladders should be available. Housekeeping in storage areas is vital to prevent trips and falls. Cleaning workers can develop respiratory ailments or contact dermatitis from working with chemicals.
In any retail business, hold-ups are possible. Employees should be trained to respond in a prescribed manner. With repair and rental reconditioning there may be exposure to machinery and welding which can result in cuts and bruises.
Delivery of oxygen tanks and other equipment can result in injuries from overturn and collision. Sterilization operations can result in employees being exposed to contaminants.
Property exposures are low if ignition sources are limited to electrical wiring, heating and cooling equipment. Oxygen tanks can explode and should be kept away from heat sources.
Should a fire occur, substantial fire and water damage may result due to the sterile condition required of the supplies, which may have to be discarded due to contamination. In addition, the large number of plastic items will add to the fire load.
As medical equipment may be high in value, appropriate security measures must be taken, including physical barriers to prevent entrance after hours and an alarm system that reports directly to a central station or the police department.
Business interruption exposure is low as backup facilities are generally available.
Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty and theft of money and securities either from holdup or safe burglary. Background checks should be conducted on all employees handling money.
There must be a separation of duties between persons handling deposits and disbursements and reconciling bank statements.
Receipting, inventory monitoring, and regular auditing are important. Money should be regularly collected from cash drawers and moved away from the collection area, preferably to a safe on premises. Bank drops should be made regularly to prevent a buildup of cash on the premises.
Inland marine exposures are from accounts receivable if the store offers credit, computers to transact sales and monitor inventory, and valuable papers and records for customers' and vendors' information.
Backup copies of all records, including computer files, should be made and stored off premises. If items are delivered to customers or between stores, goods in transit coverage will be needed.
Business auto exposure may be limited to hired non-owned liability due to employees running errands. If delivery services are provided, all employees driving vehicles must have valid licenses and acceptable MVRs.
Vehicles must be regularly maintained with records kept. The transportation of oxygen tanks requires special loading and unloading. Tanks must be properly secured during transport to avoid an explosion.
What Does Medical, Surgical And Hospital Supply Store Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Medical, surgical and hospital supply stores can be sued for a variety of reasons, including:
Product Liability: If a product sold by the store is defective or causes harm to a customer, the store can be held liable for damages. The store can purchase product liability insurance, which will cover damages and legal costs resulting from defective products. The insurance can help pay for the cost of defending the lawsuit and any damages awarded to the plaintiff.
Medical Malpractice: If the store provides medical equipment or supplies that are faulty or inadequate, resulting in harm to a patient, they can be held liable for medical malpractice. The store can purchase medical malpractice insurance, which will cover damages and legal costs resulting from medical malpractice claims. The insurance can help pay for the cost of defending the lawsuit and any damages awarded to the plaintiff.
Negligence: If the store fails to maintain safe premises or fails to provide adequate warnings about the proper use of their products, they can be held liable for negligence. The store can purchase general liability insurance, which will cover damages and legal costs resulting from negligence claims. The insurance can help pay for the cost of defending the lawsuit and any damages awarded to the plaintiff.
Breach of Contract: If the store fails to fulfill a contract with a customer or fails to provide products or services as agreed, they can be sued for breach of contract. The store can purchase commercial liability insurance, which will cover damages and legal costs resulting from breach of contract claims. The insurance can help pay for the cost of defending the lawsuit and any damages awarded to the plaintiff.
Overall, insurance can provide financial protection for medical, surgical, and hospital supply stores, helping them to manage the costs of lawsuits and minimize the risk of significant financial losses.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 5999 Miscellaneous Retail Stores, Not Elsewhere Classified
- NAICS CODE: 446199 All Other Health and Personal Care Stores
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8017 Store - Retail NOC
Description for 5999: Miscellaneous Retail Stores, Not Elsewhere Classified
Division G: Retail Trade | Major Group 59: Miscellaneous Retail | Industry Group 599: Retail Stores, Not Elsewhere Classified
5999 Miscellaneous Retail Stores, Not Elsewhere Classified: Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of specialized lines of merchandise, not elsewhere classified, such as artists'supplies; orthopedic and artificial limbs; rubber stamps; pets; religious goods; and monuments and tombstones. This industry also includes establishments primarily engaged in selling a general line of their own or consigned merchandise at retail on an auction basis. Establishments primarily engaged in auctioning tangible personal property of others on a contract or fee basis are classified in Services, Industry 7389.
- Architectural supplies-retail
- Art dealers-retail
- Artificial flowers-retail
- Artists'supply and material stores-retail
- Auction rooms (general merchandise)-retail
- Autograph and philatelist supply stores-retail
- Awning shops-retail
- Baby carriages-retail
- Banner shops-retail
- Binoculars-retail
- Cake decorating supplies-retail
- Candle shops-retail
- Coin shops-retail, except mail-order
- Cosmetics stores-retail
- Electric razor shops-retail
- Fireworks-retail
- Flag shops-retail
- Gem stones, rough-retail
- Gravestones, finished-retail
- Hearing aids-retail
- Hot tub-retail
- Ice dealers-retail
- Monuments, finished to custom order-retail
- Orthopedic and artificial limb stores-retail
- Pet food stores-retail
- Pet shops-retail
- Picture frames, ready-made-retail
- Police supply stores-retail
- Religious goods stores (other than books)-retail
- Rock and stone specimens-retail
- Rubber stamp stores-retail
- Sales barns-retail
- Stamps, philatelist-retail: except mail-order
- Stones, crystalline: rough-retail
- Swimming pools, home: not installed-retail
- Telephone stores-retail
- Telescopes-retail
- Tent shops-retail
- Tombstones-retail
- Trophy shops-retail
- Typewriter stores-retail
- Whirlpool baths-retail
Medical, Surgical And Hospital Supply Store Insurance - The Bottom Line
To find out what type of medical, surgical and hospital supply store insurance coverage you'll need for your operation, speak with an experienced broker who specializes in business insurance.
Additional Resources For Medical Insurance
Discover small business insurance for medical and dental professionals. Medical malpractice insurance is a type of professional liability that protects health care professionals from liability causing in bodily injury, medical expenses and property damage.
- Ambulatory Surgical Center
- Art Therapy
- Assisted Living Facilities
- Audiology
- Blood Banks
- Dental Lab
- Dental Office
- Diagnostic Imaging Centers
- Health Maintenance Organizations
- Healthcare Facilities
- Home Medical Equipment Dealers
- Hospitals
- Hypnosis
- Malpractice
- Marriage & Family Therapy
- Medical Clinics
- Medical Laboratories
- Medical Marijuana Dispensary
- Medical Practice
- Medical, Surgical & Hospital Supply Store
- Mental Health Counseling
- Nurse
- Nurse Registry
- Occupational Therapy
- Ophthalmologist
- Optician
- Optometrist
- Osteopathic Physicians
- Otolaryngologists
- Physicians Office
- Plastic Surgeons
- Podiatrists
- Prosthetists
- Psychology
- Psychiatrists
- Skilled Nursing Facilities
- Speech Therapy
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Surgeons
- Telemedicine Business Insurance
- Veterinarian
- Specialty Medical Centers And Clinics
- Specialty Medical Malpractice

The medical industry is a crucial sector that plays a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of individuals. It is a complex and highly regulated industry that requires specialized knowledge and expertise. As a result, the medical industry is exposed to a variety of risks, including legal and financial liabilities.
One of the main reasons why the medical industry needs commercial insurance is to protect against medical malpractice. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the standard of care and causes harm to a patient. It can lead to costly lawsuits and significant financial losses for the healthcare provider. Business insurance helps to cover these costs and protect the financial stability of the medical facility.
Another reason the medical industry needs business insurance is to cover the cost of regulatory fines and penalties. The medical industry is subject to strict regulations and any violations can result in significant fines and penalties. Business insurance helps to cover these costs and protect the financial stability of the medical practice or facility.
In addition, the medical industry is vulnerable to data breaches and cyber attacks. These incidents can result in significant financial losses and reputational damage for the medical facility. Business insurance helps to cover the cost of recovering from a data breach or cyber attack and helps to protect the reputation of the medical facility or practice.
Overall, business malpractice insurance is an essential component of the medical industry. It helps to protect against the financial and reputational risks associated with the medical industry and helps to ensure the financial stability and success of medical practices and facilities.
Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Business Income and Extra Expense, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Computers, Physicians and Surgeons Floater, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits, Professional, Umbrella, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.
Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Earthquake, Equipment Breakdown, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Computer Fraud, Forgery, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices, Business Automobile Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.