FAQs

Is medical malpractice insurance mandatory?
While only seven states have legal mandates for doctors to carry liability insurance, it is highly advisable to have this coverage. It plays a critical role in safeguarding you, your practice, and your employees from potentially significant financial repercussions due to professional errors. Having liability insurance ensures you are prepared to address unexpected challenges while maintaining the integrity of your medical practice.

States that require a minimum level of malpractice insurance are: CO, CT, KS, MA, NJ, RI, and WI.
What does medical malpractice insurance typically cover?
Medical malpractice insurance typically covers legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments resulting from claims related to medical errors, negligence, misdiagnosis, or patient care that falls outside of standard practice.
What are the exclusions of malpractice insurance coverage?
The primary exclusions to malpractice insurance include: 

- Intentional wrongdoing
- Criminal acts
- Unauthorized modification of medical records
- Breach of contract
- Deliberate and fraudulent actions
- Defamation
- Liability for incidents of sexual misconduct
- Prior acts
- Unlicensed activities
- Unapproved procedures or treatments
- Claims outside the coverage period
- Claims made after policy cancellation
- Non-patient claims
- Unreported incidents
- Specific exclusions

See the full explanation in our Ultimate Guide to Med Mal in Resources.
What types of medical malpractice insurance policies are available?
Common types include claims-made policies and occurrence policies. Claims-made policies cover incidents that occur and claims that are reported during the policy period, while occurrence policies cover incidents that occur during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is reported.
What should I consider when selecting a medical malpractice insurance policy?
Factors to consider include coverage limits, policy terms and conditions, cost, carrier reputation, claims handling process, retroactive date, tail coverage options, and the insurer's financial stability.
Can I switch medical malpractice insurance carriers?
Yes, it is possible to switch carriers. However, it's important to review the terms of your current policy, including any obligations for providing notice or obtaining tail coverage, to ensure a smooth transition.
What is a "retroactive date" in medical malpractice insurance?
A retroactive date in a claims-made malpractice policy marks the beginning of coverage for incidents that could lead to claims. This date signifies when the insurer starts covering incidents, and it must be maintained as long as the policy is active. Claims arising from incidents that occurred before the retroactive date are typically not covered. If you decide to cancel your policy, you will need tail insurance to cover claims for incidents that happened during the coverage period but are reported after the policy ends. Additionally, some carriers offer prior acts coverage, which extends the retroactive date back to include incidents from previous policy periods.
What happens if I switch jobs or retire?
Depending on the policy type, you may need tail coverage (also called extended reporting period endorsement) to cover claims arising from incidents that occurred while the policy was active but were reported after it has expired.
Can I customize my policy to suit my specific needs?
Many insurance providers offer customizable policies to accommodate your practice's unique requirements. We would be happy to discuss options like additional coverage for specific procedures or services.
What steps can I take to reduce the risk of a lawsuit?
Implementing strong communication protocols, maintaining thorough and accurate medical records, focusing on patient safety, and staying up-to-date with industry standards and best practices can help reduce the risk of lawsuits. You may also consult legal counsel to gain a better understanding of the steps necessary to mitigate risks associated with your specific practice procedures.
What is the claims process like?
The claims process involves reporting the incident, providing relevant documentation, working with legal experts, and potentially negotiating settlements. Your insurance provider will guide you through each step.
Can I change my coverage limits in the future?
Yes, you can typically adjust your coverage limits during your policy's renewal period. It's advisable to review your coverage annually to ensure it aligns with your practice's evolving needs.
Why should I work with a broker instead of going directly to an insurance carrier?
Brokers offer an unbiased perspective and access to multiple insurance carriers. This allows us to compare policies, coverage options, and rates from various providers, aiming to get you the right fit for your needs.

Learn more about the benefits of working with a broker here.
Do brokers have access to more insurance options than carriers offer directly?
Yes, brokers typically have access to a wide range of insurance carriers. This access to multiple options allows us to find coverage that may not be available if you were dealing directly with a single carrier.
Can brokers help me save time and effort during the insurance shopping process?
Absolutely. Instead of reaching out to multiple carriers individually, brokers streamline the process by doing the legwork for you. We present you with a curated selection of options that align with your needs.
Is there a fee for using a broker's services to obtain insurance?
No, brokers are typically compensated by the insurance carrier through a commission, which does not affect your premium. Your premium is determined by the carrier based on your coverage choices and risk profile. At DrsCoverage, we do not charge broker fees, ensuring there are no additional costs to you.
Do all brokers have access to the same carriers?
No, each brokerage firm needs to establish its own relationships and receive an “appointment” from a malpractice insurance carrier. This can take years to establish, along with other factors. Brokers may have connections that allow them access to these carriers through other means to serve their clients. Some brokers will present their client to only a few carriers, while others have access to majority, if not all, carriers.

At DrsCoverage, we have access to top A-rated carriers as well as non-standard markets designed for doctors who may benefit from excess and surplus (E&S) lines of insurance. This includes doctors with risk profiles that have a higher claims history and those in high-risk specialties who may find it difficult to secure coverage in standard markets. Our access to these specialized markets allows us to better serve clients with unique needs, helping them secure coverage even in complex situations.
Why should I choose DrsCoverage for my medical malpractice insurance needs?
Our primary focus is on medical malpractice insurance, offering personalized coverage solutions tailored to your practice's unique requirements. Our experienced team understands the intricacies of the healthcare industry, aiming to provide comprehensive protection.
How do you help me find the right coverage?
At DrsCoverage, we take a consultative approach, starting with a detailed assessment of your practice's risks, patient volume, and unique circumstances. We focus on identifying any gaps in your current coverage and providing tailored solutions to address those needs. Our goal is to secure comprehensive protection while optimizing costs, aiming to get you the best value for your coverage.
Can you help me find affordable coverage without sacrificing quality?
Yes, we understand the importance of balancing coverage quality with cost. Our access to a broad range of insurance carriers enables us to offer competitive rates without compromising the high standards required for comprehensive coverage.
What if I already have existing coverage? Can you help me switch providers?
Yes, we can help. Many carriers allow policyholders to cancel their coverage and may provide a prorated refund of the premium for unused coverage. We can assist you in reviewing your current policy, identifying any gaps or areas for improvement, and facilitating a seamless transition to a new policy that may better meet your needs.
Do you provide ongoing support after I secure a policy?
Yes, our commitment to you doesn't end after you secure coverage. We're here to assist with any policy-related questions, updates, or changes that may arise throughout the coverage period.
Is my information kept confidential and secure when working with your firm?
We take data security and client confidentiality seriously. Your information is handled with the utmost care and protected using industry-standard security measures. We use secure encrypted cloud storage.
How do I get started with your brokerage?
Getting started is simple. You can either book a free consultation with a licensed medical malpractice insurance broker, reach out to us via phone at (512) 737-1117, email, or fill out our contact form, your broker will guide you through the process of assessing your needs and finding solid coverage solutions. Our client-centered approach make us a trusted partner for doctors seeking reliable and comprehensive insurance coverage. Your satisfaction and protection are our top priorities. We look forward to serving you.

Let our experienced team help you find coverage tailored to your needs

To request quotes, please submit this form and we will follow up with you promptly. Thank you!
Thank you! We will reach out soon!
Oops! Looks like you forgot to fill something out.