Pamela, I have just finished cleaning up the coffee spew from my computer
screen so I can respond.  My heart has stopped racing ....

YES YES no doubt about it YES you need professional liability insurance if
you are working -- even in a volunteer capacity -- as an IBCLC.

I am more familiar with the USA system; I know you are in the UK.
 Volunteer (or pro bono) consultations do NOT absolve one from all of the
professional, legal and ethical responsibilities when seeing a mother as an
IBCLC.  The professional liability (or malpractice)  insurance is back up
for your clinical work -- not your checkbook.

In the USA -- lawsuit crazy USA -- an IBCLC can get a year's worth of
liability insurance for about $109.  That is nothing!  Where I live, I get
more than that for ONE in-home consultation.

This is a cost of doing business!  You have to spend money to stay
certified ... you have to spend money to buy office materials and create
charts and travel to a mother's home (or) keep an office open ... you have
to spend money to wash the clothes that the baby spit up on during the
consult..  Insurance is simply a part of what it costs to do what we do.

Obviously I respond through my Lawyer Lens ... but the peace of mind that
proper insurance provides a healthcare provider is worth much more than we
pay out.  Even baseless, ridiculous lawsuits must be answered.  All it
takes is one cranky, misguided lawsuit to ruin you financially (not to say
psychologically) ... even if you are ultimately absolved of any
wrong-doing.  The insurance pays for ALL that very costly legal
representation!

-- 
Liz Brooks JD IBCLC FILCA
Wyndmoor, PA, USA

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