PMU Insurance UK 2025: The Complete Guide for Permanent Makeup Artists

If you're working as a permanent makeup artist in the UK, you need PMU insurance. Full stop. This isn't optional, and it's not something you can put off until you're "more established."

Why Every PMU Artist Needs Insurance

You're performing a medical-adjacent procedure. PMU involves breaking the skin barrier, introducing pigments, and managing healing. One infection, one allergic reaction, or one unhappy client who claims negligence can result in a claim costing tens of thousands of pounds.

Venues and salons require proof of insurance. No insurance means no bookings.

Your personal assets are at risk. Without professional indemnity insurance, you're personally liable for any claims.

Types of Insurance You Need

1. Public Liability Insurance

Covers third-party claims for:

• Injury to clients or visitors
• Damage to property
• Slip and fall accidents

Typical coverage: £1-5 million

2. Professional Indemnity (Treatment Risk) Insurance

Covers claims arising from your treatments:

• Allergic reactions
• Poor healing outcomes
• Client dissatisfaction
• Negligence claims

This is the most important coverage for PMU artists.

3. Employers' Liability Insurance

Legal requirement if you employ anyone, even part-time or temporary staff.

4. Product Liability Insurance

Covers issues with products you sell to clients (aftercare balms, etc.).

Qualification Requirements for Insurance

Most UK insurers require:

• Level 3 NVQ in beauty therapy (minimum)
• Relevant PMU qualification (VTCT Level 4 preferred)
• Evidence of training from a recognized provider

Important: Ofqual-regulated qualifications (like VTCT Level 4) are universally recognized by insurers and licensing authorities.

How Much Does PMU Insurance Cost?

Typical annual premiums for PMU insurance in the UK:

UK Insurance Providers for PMU Artists

Popular providers include:

• Holistic Insurance Services
• Salon Gold
• PolicyBee
• Insync Insurance
• BGI Beauty Guild

What Won't Be Covered

Most policies exclude:

• Treatments performed without proper qualifications
• Work done under the influence
• Claims arising from criminal activity
• Pre-existing conditions you knew about
• Treatments outside your listed services

Claims Examples

Real scenarios where PMU insurance helped:

• Client fainted during eyeliner procedure and hit her head
• Microblading healed unevenly, client sued for damages
• Allergic reaction to pigment required medical treatment
• Client claimed scarring from lip blush procedure

Getting Licensed in the UK

You need a license from your local council before offering PMU treatments. Requirements typically include:

• Proof of qualification
• Public liability and treatment risk insurance
• Premises inspection
• Health and safety compliance

---

Last updated: January 2025