Malpractice Insurance for Physicians, NPs & Nurses
Compare medical malpractice insurance options, understand costs by specialty, and protect your career with the right professional liability coverage — whether you're starting a private practice, going locum tenens, or switching employers.
Why Every Clinician Needs Malpractice Insurance
Legal Protection
One in three physicians will be sued during their career. Medical malpractice insurance covers legal defense costs, settlements, and court judgments — protecting your personal assets.
License Defense
Board complaints and license investigations can happen independently of lawsuits. Individual malpractice policies include license defense coverage that employer-provided policies often lack.
Career Transitions
Changing jobs, going locum tenens, or starting a private practice all require your own malpractice policy. Understanding tail coverage and policy types prevents costly gaps.
How Much Does Malpractice Insurance Cost?
Annual premiums vary widely by specialty, state, and coverage limits. Here are typical ranges for 2025.
| Specialty / Role | Annual Premium | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Family Medicine | $6,000 – $12,000 | Low |
| Internal Medicine | $8,000 – $15,000 | Low |
| Psychiatry | $4,000 – $8,000 | Low |
| Emergency Medicine | $15,000 – $30,000 | Medium |
| General Surgery | $20,000 – $40,000 | High |
| OB/GYN | $30,000 – $100,000+ | High |
| Nurse Practitioner | $1,000 – $3,000 | Low |
| Registered Nurse | $100 – $300 | Low |
* Premiums based on $1M/$3M coverage limits. Actual costs vary by state, claims history, and insurer. States with the highest premiums include New York, Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
Claims-Made vs. Occurrence Policies
Understanding the difference is critical — it affects what happens when you change jobs.
Claims-Made Policy
- Lower initial premiums (increases annually)
- Covers claims filed while policy is active
- Requires tail coverage when leaving (1.5–2x annual premium)
- Gap in coverage if you forget to purchase tail
Best for: Employed physicians whose employer pays for tail coverage
Occurrence Policy
- Covers incidents during policy period — forever
- No tail coverage needed when changing jobs
- Simpler to manage across career transitions
- Higher upfront premiums
Best for: Independent clinicians, locum tenens, frequent job changers
71,694+ Healthcare Jobs Available Now
Changing jobs? Browse positions with work-life balance scores and understand your malpractice insurance needs before you make the switch.
Updated today
Speech Therapist - Clinical Fellow (CF)
Genesis Administrative Services
Overview At Powerback, we're on a mission to improve lives. As the leader in physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies, we help older adults stay active and thrive...
3.7/10
Physical Therapist Assistant
Tower Health
Job Summary In this role, the Physical Therapist Assistant: Renders treatment programs for referred patients according to accepted principles and practices of Physical Therapy. Su...
2.0/10
Respiratory Therapist (Contract) - Orlando, Florida
Crosswalk Health
The Role This role is ideal for RTs who value: Flexible, daytime-only work Clinical autonomy and independence Strong relationships with patients and clinic teams What You’ll Do Pe...
3.9/10
Respiratory Therapist (Contract) - Tampa, Florida
Crosswalk Health
The Role This role is ideal for RTs who value: Flexible, daytime-only work Clinical autonomy and independence Strong relationships with patients and clinic teams What You’ll Do Pe...
3.9/10
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Genesis Administrative Services
Overview At Powerback, we're on a mission to improve lives. As the leader in physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies, we help older adults stay active and thrive...
4.0/10
Speech Therapist
Genesis Administrative Services
Overview At Powerback, we're on a mission to improve lives. As the leader in physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies, we help older adults stay active and thrive...
4.0/10
Occupational Therapist
UnitedHealth Group
Explore opportunities with Patient Care, a part of LHC Group, a leading post-acute care partner for hospitals, physicians and families nationwide. As members of the Optum family of...
4.0/10
Physical Therapist (PT)
Genesis Administrative Services
Overview At Powerback, we're on a mission to improve lives. As the leader in physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies, we help older adults stay active and thrive...
4.0/10
Occupational Therapist PRN
Ignite Medical Resort Blue Springs
Description We are on Fire! Ignite Medical Resort Blue Springs is Hiring! If you want to work with a company who values and appreciates its employees, join Ignite Medical Resorts a...
4.0/10
Physical Therapist (PT) - Mobile Outpatient
Genesis Administrative Services
Overview At Powerback, we're on a mission to improve lives. As the leader in physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies, we help older adults stay active and thrive...
5.7/10
Occupational Therapist (OT) - Mobile Outpatient
Genesis Administrative Services
Overview At Powerback, we're on a mission to improve lives. As the leader in physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies, we help older adults stay active and thrive...
5.7/10
PTA Physical Therapist Assistant
Amedisys
Overview Part Time - 3 Weekdays per week - One day must be Friday. Join Our Team as a Home Health PTA – Make a Meaningful Impact Every Day! Are you a compassionate and skilled Ph...
4.0/10
Occupational Therapist (Job ID: 129)
Blue United Sourcing
Occupational Therapist (OT) - Immediate Need! Skilled Nursing Facility | Fresno, CA Duration: 12-Week Contract, with ability to convert to Permanent Placement if you love it! Sched...
4.0/10
Speech Therapist
Blue United Sourcing
Speech Therapist – Pediatric Outpatient Location: Lake Havasu, AZ Contract Length: YOU DECIDE! 13 Week Travel contract available, OR Permanent Placement Pay: $60–$70/hr, depending...
4.0/10
Intake Therapist - PRN/Per Diem
UHS
Responsibilities Intake Therapist PRN Via Linda Behavioral Hospital is an innovative behavioral health hospital offering a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services to ...
5.5/10
Associate Mental Health Therapist (LMHCA or LMFTA)
Dayspring Behavioral Health
Description Associate Mental Health Therapist (LMHCA or LMFTA) Compensation: $52-$57.20 per hour; paid bi-weekly Employment Type: W-2 Full-Time or W-2 Part-Time Employee; Non-Exemp...
7.7/10
Physical Therapist - Frederick Primary Care Associates
Integrity Rehab Group
Integrity Rehab Group is an industry leading therapy management company that partners with physician practices across the nation. In partnering with Frederick Primary Care Associat...
4.0/10
Physical Therapist - Frederick Primary Care Associates
Upstream Rehabilitation
Integrity Rehab Group is an industry leading therapy management company that partners with physician practices across the nation. In partnering with Frederick Primary Care Associat...
4.0/10
Occupational Therapist, Travel or Local (Job ID: 131)
Blue United Sourcing
Travel Occupational Therapist (OT) – Post-Acute Skilled Nursing Facility Location: Oxnard, CA Pay: $60–$65/hour Hours: 36 hours per week (guaranteed) Contract Length: 13 weeks Set...
4.0/10
Occupational Therapist
Concierge Home Care
Join the Team at Concierge Home Care – Where Care Changes Lives! At Concierge Home Care, we believe in the power of home health care to change lives—for patients and team members ...
5.7/10
Top Medical Malpractice Insurance Companies
When choosing a malpractice insurance provider, compare AM Best financial strength ratings, consent-to-settle clauses, risk management resources, and whether they specialize in your practice type. Physician-owned mutual companies like The Doctors Company often offer lower rates and better claims defense than commercial insurers.
Malpractice Insurance FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about medical malpractice insurance for healthcare professionals
Planning a Career Move?
Browse thousands of healthcare jobs with work-life balance scores, salary data, and burnout intelligence — so you can find a position worth insuring.
Browse All Jobs