
Aapa members are required to have malpractice insurance to maintain their membership and practice with confidence.
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (Aapa) requires its members to have professional liability insurance as a condition of membership.
This requirement is in place to protect both the physician assistant and their patients from potential medical errors or negligence.
Aapa offers its own malpractice insurance program, which provides coverage for up to $1 million per claim and $3 million per year.
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Understanding PA Malpractice Insurance
Physician assistant malpractice insurance typically starts at $1,757 a year, but the price depends on several factors, including coverage level, practice location, experience, education, and time spent on the job.
Getting a quote is the best way to determine your policy cost, and it usually takes just a couple of minutes. If you choose to purchase, your policy can go into effect on any day you'd like.
CM&F has been partnered with the AAPA for over 20 years, offering insurance protection for PAs' assets and careers. They provide malpractice insurance products that cover all methods of patient care delivery, including in-person and virtual care via telemedicine.
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Here's a breakdown of the types of policies available:
It's worth noting that most employers provide some level of malpractice insurance for their employees, but it's essential to ask for a certificate of insurance every year to confirm you're a "named insured."
Factors Influencing Premiums
Malpractice insurance premiums for physician assistants can vary significantly, and understanding the factors that influence these costs can help you anticipate and budget for them.
Typically, physician assistant malpractice insurance starts at $1,757 a year, but the price depends on several factors.
Your years of experience, education, and time spent on the job can all impact the cost of your policy. The best way to get an idea of what your policy would cost is by getting a quote, which takes just a couple of minutes.
Several key factors determine the cost of tail coverage for Physician Assistants. Here are some of the primary determinants:
- Specialty and Risk Exposure: High-risk specialties like surgery or obstetrics typically incur higher tail coverage costs due to the increased likelihood of claims.
- Geographic Location: Areas with a higher frequency of malpractice suits or larger settlement amounts generally see higher insurance premiums.
- Coverage Duration: The length of time for which tail coverage is needed affects the cost. Longer coverage periods result in higher premiums.
- Claims History: PAs with a history of malpractice claims may face higher premiums due to perceived increased risk.
- Policy Limits: Higher coverage limits translate to higher premiums. PAs must balance their need for comprehensive coverage with the associated costs.
- Insurance Provider: Different providers offer varying rates, so it’s beneficial to shop around and compare quotes.
PA Malpractice Insurance

PA malpractice insurance is a crucial investment for physician assistants, and understanding the basics can help you make informed decisions.
Typically, PA malpractice insurance starts at $1,757 a year, but the price depends on factors like coverage, location, experience, and education.
Getting a quote is a quick process that takes just a couple of minutes, and if you choose to purchase, your policy can go into effect immediately.
CM&F has been partnering with the AAPA for over 20 years to provide insurance protection for PAs' assets and careers.
CM&F offers a range of insurance products that cover all methods of patient care delivery, including in-person and virtual care via telemedicine.
For PA students, CM&F offers a free policy with coverage options up to $1 million per claim.
Here are some key benefits of the free policy for PA students:
- Coverage options up to $1 Million Per Claim
- Full Consent to Settle Claims
- Defense Costs Paid In Addition To Liability Limits
- License Defense Coverage
- HIPAA Defense Coverage
- 24/7 Portable Coverage
- Telemedicine Coverage
- Personal Asset & Financial Future Protection
New graduate PAs can qualify for a lower annual premium, with discounts ranging from 80% to 20% off the standard premium over the first five years of practice.
Here's a breakdown of the new graduate discounts:Years in PracticePremium DiscountYear 180% OffYear 260% OffYear 340% OffYear 420% OffYear 5Phase into full premium
Additionally, AAPA members can receive a 10% discount on their personal professional liability policy, and those who complete a risk management course can qualify for an additional 3-year, 10% discount.
Types of Insurance

Physician assistant malpractice insurance typically starts at $1,757 a year, but the price depends on several factors, including your years of experience, education, and time spent on the job.
If you're a new graduate, you'll want to consider the benefits of professional liability insurance, which can include coverage options up to $2 million per claim.
Some of the benefits of professional liability insurance for new graduates include full consent to settle claims, telemedicine/telehealth coverage, and license defense coverage.
You can get a quote for malpractice insurance in just a couple of minutes, and if you choose to purchase, your policy can go into effect on any day you like.
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a malpractice insurance policy:
- Assess your risk exposure and consider your specialty's risk level.
- Understand the terms and conditions of the policy, including coverage limits and exclusions.
- Compare different insurance providers to find the best coverage at a competitive rate.
- Seek professional advice from insurance professionals or legal advisors.
- Evaluate the financial implications of the premium costs against the potential risks of not having adequate coverage.
Insurance Benefits and Features
Our PA liability insurance is tailored to your individual needs, covering you wherever you go. An individual liability insurance policy is designed to protect your assets, license, and reputation regardless of employer and place of work.
With coverage options up to $2 Million per claim, you can have peace of mind knowing you're protected in case of a malpractice claim. Full consent to settle claims is also included, allowing you to make informed decisions about your case.
You can also expect coverage for license defense, general liability, defense costs in addition to liability limits, sexual misconduct defense, HIPAA defense coverage, and telemedicine coverage. This comprehensive coverage will help protect your personal and professional interests.
Here are some key benefits of our PA liability insurance:
- Coverage Options up to $2 Million per Claim
- Full Consent to Settle Claims
- License Defense Coverage
- General Liability Available
- Defense Costs in Addition to Liability Limits
- Sexual Misconduct Defense
- HIPAA Defense Coverage
- Telemedicine Coverage
Malpractice Insurance Costs
Malpractice insurance costs vary depending on several factors, including the level of coverage you want and where you practice.
Physician assistant malpractice insurance typically starts at $1,757 a year.
Your years of experience, education, and time spent on the job also impact the cost of your policy.
The best way to get an idea of what your policy would cost is by getting a quote.
This process takes just a couple of minutes, and your policy can go into effect on any day you choose.
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Physician Liability Insurance Benefits
CM&F's PA liability insurance is tailored to individual needs, covering you wherever you go, and protecting your assets, license, and reputation.
With coverage options up to $2 million per claim, you can have peace of mind knowing you're protected in case of a malpractice claim.
Full consent to settle claims means you'll have the flexibility to resolve disputes quickly and efficiently.
License defense coverage is also included, ensuring your professional reputation remains intact.
General liability, defense costs in addition to liability limits, sexual misconduct defense, HIPAA defense coverage, and telemedicine coverage are all available options.
These benefits are designed to give you the freedom to focus on your patients, without worrying about the potential consequences of a malpractice claim.
Here are some key benefits of CM&F's PA liability insurance:
Defense Counsel
If a claim is filed against you, you'll have access to a network of defense attorneys specializing in medical malpractice. They'll work on your behalf to defend your case.

You'll also have the peace of mind knowing that related defense costs, such as lawyer fees and court fees, will be paid for. This means they won't cut into the settlement fees you may need to pay after a ruling.
Here's a breakdown of the defense costs that are covered in addition to your policy's limits of insurance:
This defense coverage is a valuable benefit, and it's essential to understand what's covered and what's not.
Why Choose Cmf
CM&F is the only professional liability insurance provider endorsed by the AAPA.
Family owned and operated since 1919, CM&F has been a trusted partner to millions of healthcare professionals over the years.
CM&F developed the very first liability insurance policy for registered nurses in 1947 and for nurse practitioners in 1987.
CM&F continues to lead the way forward in protecting over 200 professional specialties across the healthcare industry.
CM&F only partners with insurance carriers who carry the highest A.M. Best ratings in the market today.
CM&F invests in service and technology to support their clients wherever they are.
Discover more: Cm&f Group Malpractice Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Which doctors pay the most for malpractice insurance?
Doctors in high-risk specialties like neurosurgery, obstetrics, and orthopedic surgery pay the highest premiums for malpractice insurance. These specialties often involve complex and high-stakes procedures, increasing the risk of medical errors.
Is medical malpractice insurance worth it?
Protecting your practice and personal assets from costly lawsuits is crucial, and medical malpractice insurance provides that safeguard. It's a vital investment for physicians to avoid financial ruin in the event of a medical mistake.
Sources
- https://www.berxi.com/insurance/physician-assistant/
- https://www.cmfgroup.com/about-cm-f/cmf-partners/aapa-malpractice-insurance-services/
- https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2020/12/fact-checked-myths-about-malpractice-insurance/
- https://www.cmfgroup.com/professional-liability-insurance/physician-assistant-professional-insurance/physician-assistant-pa-new-graduate-insurance/
- https://physicianassistantcontractreview.com/tail-coverage-explained-for-physician-assistants/
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