Cyber Liability & Healthcare: The #1 Coverage to Consider

In today's healthcare environment, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern—it's a patient safety issue. As cyberattacks on hospitals and healthcare systems grow in frequency and severity, there's one often-overlooked coverage every healthcare organization needs to prioritize: bodily injury coverage within their cyber liability insurance policy.

When Cyber Threats Turn Deadly

A recent example brings this risk to life in a chilling way. In a new fiction novel published by the CEO of Michigan Medicine, one of the largest healthcare systems in the country, cyberattacks are portrayed not just as data breaches—but as tools used to kill.

While the book is fictional, the premise is rooted in reality.

Cybercriminals today aren't just stealing patient data—they're locking down systems, delaying treatments, and in some cases, putting lives at risk. Imagine an attack that freezes access to electronic health records, halts chemotherapy schedules, or shuts down life-saving machines. This isn’t hypothetical anymore. It’s happening.

The Overlooked Risk in Many Cyber Insurance Policies

Many healthcare organizations carry cyber liability insurance—but not all policies are created equal.

A critical gap often lies in how much (if any) bodily injury coverage is included. This coverage is usually sub-limited, meaning it's capped well below the general policy limit. And in a severe event, that limit can be exhausted quickly—leaving your organization exposed.

Why Bodily Injury Coverage Matters

Cyber threats can now cause real, physical harm:

Delays in urgent treatment
Miscommunication of medical data
Shut down of critical medical devices
Ransomware attacks leading to ER closures

If a patient is harmed—or worse—due to a cyberattack, and your policy doesn’t provide adequate bodily injury coverage, your organization could face major legal and financial consequences.

The #1 Step for Healthcare Organizations: Review Your Cyber Liability Policy

Now is the time to review your cyber insurance coverage and ask:

Does your policy include bodily injury coverage?
Is there a sub-limit on this coverage, and if so, is it enough?
Are your cyber risks aligned with what your policy actually covers?

If you're unsure, talk to a trusted insurance professional who understands both cyber liability and the complex risk landscape of healthcare.

Final Thoughts

Cyber threats in healthcare aren’t just about lost data—they’re about lost lives.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Make sure your cyber liability insurance covers all the consequences, including bodily injury, to fully protect your patients, your staff, and your reputation.

📞 Need help reviewing your cyber liability insurance policy? We’re here to help. Contact us today to ensure your healthcare organization is properly protected.