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.

Malpractice insurance covers a lot - but not everything. Most policies exclude:
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- Intentional harm or criminal acts
- Altering medical records
- Sexual misconduct or harassment
- Practicing without a valid license
- Breach of contract or fraudulent behavior
- Claims filed after the policy ends (unless tail coverage is in place)
- Non-patient-related issues

Every policy spells out exclusions in detail, so it’s important to review them carefully.

For a deeper dive, check out our Ultimate Guide to Med Mal.

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. Tail coverage is needed for all claims-made policies when switching providers or retiring to extend coverage into future years for past claims during the previous policy period.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Going straight to a carrier means you’re only seeing one option. A broker works with multiple top-rated insurers, helping you compare coverage terms, costs, and policy structures across the board. That matters - especially if your specialty or practice situation requires more tailored coverage.

A good broker acts as your advocate, not the carrier’s sales rep. You get objective guidance, more choices, and a clearer path to the policy that fits your needs - not just the one you happened to find first.

Learn more about the benefits of working with a broker here.

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.

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.

When it comes to finding a policy, no - brokers are typically compensated by the insurance carrier through a commission, and that commission doesn’t impact your premium. Your cost is based on your specialty, location, coverage structure, and risk profile - not whether you used a broker.

Some brokers may charge for additional services like risk management consulting or practice audits, but most do not charge a fee just to help you secure coverage.
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At DrsCoverage, we don’t charge broker fees. You receive professional guidance from our team and access to an extensive network of carriers without paying anything extra.

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.

Because finding the right malpractice coverage shouldn’t feel like navigating a maze.

At DrsCoverage, we work exclusively with physicians and medical service providers - helping you compare policies, avoid coverage gaps, and make informed decisions that align with your specialty, practice structure, and risk profile. We are backed by a team that brings decades of experience, access to top-rated carriers, and a clear understanding of how real-world medicine intersects with insurance.

Whether you’re in private practice, part of a group, or transitioning roles, we help you secure coverage that supports your career - not just checks a box. No extra fees. No pressure. Just a team that knows how to take care of the people who take care of patients.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Getting started is easy.

You can either schedule a free consultation to speak directly with a DrsCoverage broker, email us with any questions, or fill out the quotes form to begin the process. Whichever works best for you.

We take a practical, physician-centered approach - helping you navigate your options and connect with coverage that fits.

Our priority is making sure you feel confident in your malpractice insurance, so you can stay focused on your work.