Taneesa Williamson Exploring the obligations and risks associated with patch testing in insurance coverage.
In the dynamic world of aesthetics & beauty, where one-size-fits-all approaches often fall short from an insurance perspective, the implications can be significant if businesses neglect to conduct test patching. Founder and Senior Broker Sue Sparrow of Sparrow Insurance emphasises the importance of test patching when it comes to your insurance. For Sue and her team, providing specialist insurance to the medical, wellness, cosmetic injecting and beauty industry is the company’s dedicated passion.
We spoke to Sue to find out more about what you must know about test patching, and how it shouldn’t be seen as a justifiable option.
From an insurance perspective, what implications does a business have if clients have not received a test patch?
Whenever a business purchases a new piece of equipment, there is often a training technician that provides application of use and a manufacturer’s manual provided as a hard cover or soft copy. Within these manuals there will always be the guidelines to keep on hand, for the patch testing procedure with test time frame requirements to follow.
With insurance there is an obligation to follow the guidelines regarding these patch testing, if this is not followed there is a huge risk that the business will not be covered if there was a claim.
It would be advisable to discuss with your broker, what is required to keep you and your business safe.
How should businesses implement test patches into their treatments, for both new and existing clients?
Firstly you will need to understand the guidelines with your insurance, a large number of insurance companies require the 48 hours; with us we have on our policies “according to the manufacturer’s guidelines” this allows for the flexibility of the various machines in the market place today.
Once you are aware of the time restraints of your patch testing, you can design your treatment plan around this.
Patch testing doesn’t need to be repeated at each visit if you are working on the same area; however, if you move to a different location on the body, the will need to be tested again.
For existing clients coming back for a repeat treatment (starting fresh), they also will need a patch test; as well as a medical history form review.
What is your biggest piece of advice for beauty or aesthetic business owners looking for an insurance provider?
Find an insurance broker that understands the beauty/aesthetic industry – that provides protection for the treatments you provide. To have the flexibility to assist you in the treatments you may wish to provide on a later date.
Most importantly, a claim is no longer an ‘if’, rather a ‘when’; ask about the team that will be handling claims:
- How long have they been working in this area?
- What is the process if one of your clients is not happy – what are your next steps?
- Can you contact the claims person regarding this claim, as it is imperative for your peace of mind to be able to get clarity around the situation on a very regular basis.
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