Overview of the Life Sciences Program from BSR Insurance
BSR Insurance provides a focused Life Sciences Insurance program for agents placing product, professional and clinical-trial exposures for companies operating in the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and nutraceutical sectors. As an Excess & Surplus (E&S) lines broker, BSR leverages relationships with multiple non-admitted carriers to structure flexible terms for hard-to-place, highly regulated and emerging risks.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program fits a broad range of life sciences businesses, including early-stage R&D firms through mid-sized manufacturers and distributors. Typical eligible accounts include:
- Pharmaceutical and biotech R&D and manufacturing
- Medical device development, manufacturing and distribution
- Human and animal biologics
- Nutraceutical manufacturers and distributors
- Human clinical trials based in the U.S. (domestic only)
Restricted or ineligible risks include products containing Ephedra and any foreign clinical trial activity. If you have a client launching a novel medical device or preparing for first-in-human studies, BSR can help place those higher-exposure accounts through creative E&S solutions.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Products Liability, General Liability and Professional Liability (typically Claims-Made)
- Occurrence-form coverage available for limited classes
- Limits up to $5 million (available on a primary or excess basis)
- Flexible deductible and Self-Insured Retention (SIR) structures
- Unsupported excess capacity available
- Vendor’s coverage can be included
- Prior Acts (retroactive) coverage offered where appropriate
These features help protect insureds against third-party claims arising from product defects, design or manufacturing errors, and professional errors during clinical development.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Underwriting focuses on product risk profile, clinical trial phase and controls, manufacturing practices, and distribution channels. Minimum premium for placements typically starts at $4,500, with many accounts averaging near $20,000 depending on exposures, limits and attachment points. Common deductible levels are $2,500–$5,000, while minimum SIRs generally start at $25,000.
Territories and Availability
BSR writes this Life Sciences program on a non-admitted basis across most U.S. states, including: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, DC, WV, WI, and WY.
Why Work With BSR Insurance?
BSR combines life sciences industry knowledge with broad access to E&S markets, making it a practical partner for agents placing complex or non-standard accounts. Their underwriting team is experienced in evaluating emerging technologies and tailoring terms—whether a client needs primary limits, excess capacity, prior acts protection, or customized SIR structures.
Example scenarios that fit well:
- You represent a biotech start-up advancing to Phase I human trials that needs professional liability and product liability with prior acts coverage for prior research.
- You have a mid-market medical device manufacturer seeking primary limits and an unsupported excess layer to cover new distribution channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
Ideal accounts include pharmaceutical and biotech companies, medical device manufacturers, nutraceutical firms, and organizations conducting U.S.-based human clinical trials.
Is coverage available for foreign clinical trials?
No. This program excludes foreign clinical trials; only clinical trial exposures within the United States are eligible.
What liability limits are available?
Limits up to $5 million are available on a primary or excess basis. Unsupported excess options may also be offered depending on the placement.
What are common deductible and SIR options?
Deductibles commonly range from $2,500 to $5,000. Minimum SIRs typically start at $25,000, subject to risk characteristics.
Is this program admitted or non-admitted?
This program is placed on a non-admitted basis through various E&S carriers across most U.S. states.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.