The House of Commons funds and administers a range of insurance policies designed to protect MPs and staff when carrying out parliamentary and constituency duties.
It is a condition of all the policies that insurers should be informed at the earliest opportunity of circumstances that may lead to a claim being made. Failure to do so may lead to them refusing to respond to a claim.
Insurers understand the diverse nature of an MP’s role. However, none of the policies (except personal accident) will respond if you are undertaking party political, campaigning or personal activity.
Employment practices liability
The policy protects MPs in their position as an employer against allegations or claims of wrongful employment acts such as unfair or wrongful dismissal, discrimination and sexual harassment.
It is a condition of the policy that appropriate HR support has been received and that advice has been followed.
You should contact the Members' HR Advice Service as early as possible in the event any issues or concerns arise concerning your staff, or you receive a grievance, employment tribunal claim or notice from ACAS of early conciliation.
There is a policy excess of £2,000 per claim.
For support and advice on employment practices liability insurance, call the HR Advisory service within the Members' Services Team on 020 7219 2080 or email membershr@parliament.uk.
Employers' liability
You are insured against any claim arising from the death or physical and mental injury of employees during and arising out of, or in the course of, their employment.
This cover extends to students, temporary staff, interns and volunteers as well as direct employees.
For support and advice on employers' liability insurance, call the Members’ and Members’ Staff Services Team on 020 7219 4292 or email MMSST@parliament.uk.
Public liability
You are insured against any claim for damage plus the claimant’s costs regarding accidental bodily injury or death sustained by third parties, or damage to their property while that person is on their premises.
An excess of £500 applies to each claim made against this policy.
For support and advice on public liability insurance, call the Members’ and Members’ Staff Services Team on 020 7219 4292 or email MMSST@parliament.uk.
Professional indemnity (including defamation)
Subject to several exceptions, you are insured for legal claims made against you by third parties for alleged breach of professional duties, neglect or error committed in good faith and allegations of defamation.
Allegations of defamation are covered but are subject to several exceptions. Actions taken on your behalf by your direct employees are also covered.
Costs relating to a legal claim by other MPs are not covered by the policy and related costs cannot be funded by IPSA.
Costs relating to criminal investigations or charges cannot be funded by IPSA.
The policy is subject to a £1,000 excess, which is payable by you. This excess can be funded by IPSA.
If the legal claim can be settled for less than the excess sum of £1,000 such as a copyright infringement, the cost to settle the legal claim may also be reclaimed under the Funding Scheme (but the insurance claims process must still be followed).
If you are faced with a claim, you should not acknowledge receipt or admit liability and contact the Members’ and Members’ Staff Services Team (MMSST) immediately with full details. Do not make a judgement on whether or not the claim is valid.
It is a policy condition that the insurer must be notified as soon as you become aware of a claim being made or of any circumstances that might reasonably be expected to bring about a claim.
Be aware that a verbal complaint with a threat to 'take the matter further' or a letter of complaint alleging neglect, error or omission may pre-empt a claim.
Failure to notify the MMSST may result in the insurers refusing to accept the claim and leave you personally financially exposed. Find more information on ParliNet.
For support and advice on professional indemnity insurance, call the Members’ and Members’ Staff Services Team on 020 7219 4292 or email MMSST@parliament.uk.
Business travel insurance
The House provides business travel and personal accident insurance for MPs, their staff, their spouses and staff of the House of Commons.
The House’s insurance policy is supported by Healix, a third-party provider specialising in medical and security assistance services. You can access the services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
What the insurance covers
You are insured while travelling outside of the UK on parliamentary business.
Cover is effective from the time of departure from your residence or place of business in the UK (whichever occurs last) until arrival back at either of these places (whichever occurs first) at the end of the journey.
Time spent on incidental leisure visits – a few days at the start or end of an official business trip – is covered as well.
You are also insured while traveling on parliamentary business within the UK as long as the destination is 25 miles or more from your residence or usual place of business (whichever is closer). Medical cover is not provided for domestic journeys. Financial limits and exclusions may apply.
Countries covered
The current policy does not automatically include cover for travel to countries (or areas in countries) where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel or all but essential travel.
If an MP or MP’s staff member is planning to travel to such countries and/or regions, they must notify the Members’ Pensions team (who administer the travel insurance arrangements) at least 10 working days in advance of travelling to make appropriate arrangements. Email hoctravelinsurance@parliament.uk or call 020 7219 6481.
Please be aware cover is not guaranteed. We do not recommend an MP or MP staff member book or arrange travel before this additional cover is confirmed. An MP or MP’s staff member can also seek personal security advice or help from the Parliamentary Security Department (PSD). Email securityrisk@parliament.uk or call 020 7219 7932
If you are in a region of the world where your security becomes threatened because of civil unrest, you can get some tangible help. Healix will provide specialist security advice and physical help from their local agent in certain circumstances.
Spouses and civil partners
The insurance covers spouses and civil partners accompanying MPs on parliamentary or constituency business.
However, IPSA will only fund the cost of the MP’s travel.
Pre-travel risk assessment
Travelling to new places can hold unforeseen risks. If you are not familiar with your destination or have any concerns, Healix can provide a risk assessment before you travel.
Contact the Members’ Pensions team if you would like a risk assessment report. Please be aware this service is not covered under the policy and a charge will apply.
You can find more details on the 'business travel and personal accident insurance' page of ParliNet.
Overseas travel advice, vaccinations and medication
MPs and MP staff members can get travel advice, vaccinations and medication from the Occupational Health Service at St Thomas’ Hospital.
Members and staff of both Houses together with their accompanying staff/partner travelling overseas on official business can use this service.
See travel advice, guidance and vaccination arrangements for MPs and their staff.
Personal accident insurance
As well as business travel insurance, the House provides personal accident insurance for MPs, their staff, their spouses and staff of the House of Commons.
These groups are covered by this policy in different circumstances.
The amounts payable under the terms of the policy depend on the severity of the injury suffered.
You can find more details on the 'business travel and personal accident insurance' page of ParliNet.
For support and advice on personal accident insurance, call the Members' Pensions team on 020 7219 6481 or email hoctravelinsurance@parliament.uk.
What to do if you are not insured
It is a policy condition that the insurer must be notified as soon as you become aware of a claim being made or of any circumstances that might reasonably be expected to bring about a claim.
Failure to notify the Members’ and Members’ Staff Services Team may result in the insurers refusing to accept the claim and leave you personally financially exposed.
Once a potential claim has been submitted to the Members’ and Members’ Staff Services Team, it will be assessed to ensure that the appropriate insurer is notified.
If your claim is declined, you will receive an email to let you know. This is your 'deadlock' email.
Once you have received this email, if you need further advice or support regarding the insurance available to you, please contact your account manager at IPSA.
More information and guidance on travel insurance
Further details including the insurance policy number can be found by contacting the Members’ Pensions team or searching ‘business travel and personal accident insurance’ on ParliNet.
For support and advice on travel insurance, please call the Members' Pensions team on 020 7219 6481 or email hoctravelinsurance@parliament.uk.
Guidance updated on April 2026.