From the Front Lines: Health Care Staffing Insurance

• By: oliviaoverman
• July 7, 2025

Andy Clark

Vice President of Commercial Lines

Mason-McBride Insurance and Financial Services

Troy, Michigan

How did you get started at your agency?

I was previously working with an agency based in Illinois when a recruiter contacted me about an opportunity in the Detroit market. I had been considering moving to the area to be closer to family and, as I progressed through the interview process, I quickly developed a strong connection with the Mason-McBride agency. The company’s culture, values and vision aligned perfectly with what I was seeking, and I knew it was the right fit.

Why health care staffing insurance?

Early in my insurance career, a mentor advised me to identify a niche I was passionate about and commit to becoming an expert in that space. At my previous agency, I focused on the health care sector. When I joined Mason-McBride, I was impressed by the firm’s strong history and strategic focus within the staffing industry. Given my background in health care and the growing challenges of staffing in that field, it made perfect sense to transition into a niche role specializing in health care staffing insurance.

Challenges in the health care staffing insurance market?

Health care staffing remains one of the more complex sectors to insure, particularly when it comes to workers compensation. Because agency owners often lack direct oversight of safety protocols at the facilities where their staff are placed, many insurance carriers are cautious. This has led to increased restrictions, such as minimum premium requirements, limitations based on how long the agency has been in business, and exclusions tied to specific types of health care providers or facilities. These challenges demand a deep understanding of both the staffing and health care landscapes to effectively place coverage.

Future trends?

I anticipate continued increases in professional liability premiums, particularly for higher-risk placements like physicians, surgeons and wound care professionals. These roles have become increasingly difficult to insure affordably. As a result, I expect more health care staffing agencies to diversify their service offerings across additional industries. This diversification is likely to be a strategic move to offset rising insurance costs and maintain profitability.

Advice for a fellow agent?

Approach the staffing industry as if you were preparing to launch your own agency. By understanding the unique challenges your clients face, you’ll be better positioned to provide proactive, consultative guidance, setting yourself apart from the competition. It’s equally important to develop deep knowledge of health care-related exposures and the insurance products that address them. Each carrier’s policy language varies widely, with some including sublimits or exclusions for high-risk exposures, or restrictive endorsements that limit coverage.

Olivia Overman is IA content editor.