
As a healthcare provider, you're likely no stranger to the importance of malpractice insurance. But let's face it - it can be a costly expense.
Many healthcare providers are searching for ways to reduce their malpractice insurance premiums, and for good reason: the average annual premium for a primary care physician can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more.
There are several ways to find cheap malpractice insurance, including shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers.
Finding Cheap Malpractice Insurance
Finding cheap professional liability insurance can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Starting at $33 per month, a professional liability insurance policy can be affordable for small businesses.
To keep costs low, you can shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies. In fact, Insureon's easy online application can retrieve quotes from trusted carriers in no time.
By managing your risks and avoiding insurance claims, you can also keep your premium low. This might involve bundling your professional liability policy with other insurance products or choosing cost-saving options on your coverage.
Here are some ways to keep costs low:
- Shop around and compare quotes
- Bundling professional liability with another policy
- Customize your professional liability policy
How Do I Find
Finding cheap malpractice insurance can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. You can start by comparing rates from different insurance companies, which can help you find a more affordable policy.
Some insurance companies offer online applications that retrieve quotes from trusted carriers, making it easier to shop around. For instance, Insureon's easy online application can help you compare rates in no time.
If you're looking for a specific price point, you might be happy to know that professional liability insurance policies can start at just $33 per month. This makes it an affordable option for small businesses.
By bundling your professional liability policy with other insurance products, you can often save money on your premiums. This is because insurance companies often offer discounts for bundling policies.
To keep your premium low, it's essential to manage your risks and avoid insurance claims. This might involve taking steps to prevent mistakes or oversights that could lead to a lawsuit.
Here are some ways to shop around and compare quotes:
- Shop around and compare quotes
- Bundle professional liability with another policy
- Customize your professional liability policy
By following these tips, you can find a cheap malpractice insurance policy that meets your needs and budget.
States to Purchase
If you're looking for states where professional liability insurance costs are lower than average, here are some options to consider.
North Dakota is one of the cheapest states to purchase professional liability insurance, with costs averaging at just $49 per month.
Mississippi is another affordable option, with professional liability insurance costs coming in at $51 per month.
Hawaii is also worth looking into, with costs averaging at $52 per month.
Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, and Oregon are all tied with costs averaging at $56 per month.
New Hampshire and Missouri are also on this list, with costs averaging at $59 per month.
Wisconsin rounds out the list with costs averaging at $62 per month.
If you're looking for a state with the lowest professional liability insurance costs, North Dakota is the way to go.
Here's a quick rundown of the cheapest states to purchase professional liability insurance:
Get Affordable Insurance
Getting affordable insurance can be a challenge, but there are ways to make it more manageable. Starting at $33 per month, a professional liability insurance policy can be affordable for small businesses.
To keep costs low, shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies. Bundling your professional liability policy with other insurance products can also help reduce costs. Customizing your policy to fit your specific needs can be another effective way to save money.
Managing your risks is key to keeping your premium low. This can be achieved by taking proactive steps to minimize the likelihood of errors or negligence.
If you're looking to purchase professional liability insurance in a state with lower costs, consider North Dakota, Mississippi, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Oregon, New Hampshire, Missouri, or Wisconsin. These states have lower average costs, with North Dakota being the most affordable at $49 per month.
Some industries, such as professional services, finance and accounting, and personal care, tend to pay less for professional liability insurance compared to higher-risk industries like building design and media and advertising.
Here are some states with lower average costs for professional liability insurance:
What Covers
Professional liability insurance can be a lifesaver for healthcare professionals and businesses. It covers claims related to your services, regardless of whether you made a mistake.
Negligence and other mistakes are a common reason for lawsuits, but professional liability insurance can help pay for damages and legal defense costs. This includes incorrect advice and misrepresentation.
If you're worried about baseless lawsuits, don't be. Professional liability coverage can protect against unsupported negligence claims.
Here's a breakdown of what's typically covered:
- Negligence and other mistakes
- Incorrect advice
- Misrepresentation
- Copyright infringement
- Personal injury
- Failure to deliver a service
You may also want to consider additional coverages, such as professional license defense coverage, biomedical defense coverage, and HIPAA defense coverage. These can provide extra protection for unique risks.
Related reading: Prior Acts Coverage Malpractice Insurance
Understanding Costs and Options
The average cost of professional liability insurance, also known as malpractice insurance, is around $61 per month for Insureon's customers.
To get the best deal, shop around and compare quotes from multiple carriers, which can help you find affordable coverage. This is because professional liability insurance premiums are calculated based on factors such as industry, policy limits, number of employees, and claims history.
On a similar theme: Professional Liability Insurance for Healthcare Workers

You can customize your policy to suit your unique business needs and reduce costs. One way to do this is by choosing lower policy limits, which can save you money on your premium. However, be aware that lower limits may leave you vulnerable to costly lawsuits.
By managing your risks and avoiding lawsuits, you can keep your premium low. This can be achieved by communicating openly with customers, having detailed contracts, and getting every communication in writing.
On a similar theme: An Insured Has a Life Insurance Policy That Requires
Compare Carrier Quotes
Comparing carrier quotes is a crucial step in finding affordable professional liability insurance coverage. You can get quotes from multiple insurance companies, either by contacting each carrier directly or working with a digital insurance agency like Insureon.
Insureon can provide quotes from top-rated providers like The Hartford and Chubb in just one online application. This can save you time and effort compared to contacting each carrier individually.
The national median cost of professional liability insurance through Progressive Commercial in 2023 was $42 per month, with an average monthly price of $64. This highlights the importance of comparing quotes to find the best rate for your business.
You can use a digital insurance agency like Insureon to get a professional liability insurance quote from top-rated providers in less than 24 hours. This includes getting a certificate of insurance (COI) to meet state laws and your profession's requirements.
What's the Cost?

The cost of professional liability insurance can vary significantly depending on your specialty and the factors that affect your premium.
Professional liability insurance can cost as little as $19 monthly, but the exact price depends on the type of work you do and many other factors.
Your premium varies significantly depending on your specialty, and insurance costs for health professionals are based on a few factors, including healthcare services offered, medical equipment, annual revenue, and the number of employees.
The average cost of professional liability insurance for Insureon's customers is $61 per month.
The national median cost of professional liability insurance through Progressive Commercial was $42 per month in 2023, with an average monthly price of $64.
Industries that face greater consequences if a mistake or negligence occurs can expect to pay a higher premium.
Here's a rough idea of professional liability insurance costs for different types of business professions:
Getting quotes from multiple insurance companies is one of the best ways to find affordable professional liability insurance coverage, and you can get professional liability insurance quotes from top-rated providers with a single online application.
Customize Your Policy
You can customize your professional liability policy to suit your unique business needs and reduce costs. This is done by making a few adjustments, such as choosing lower policy limits.
Choosing lower policy limits is one way to save money on professional liability insurance. However, there's a tradeoff, as you'll want to consider both the cost of your premium and the cost of a potential lawsuit against your business.
Even the most experienced healthcare providers can make a mistake, and professional liability insurance can help protect your practice from mistakes, including misdiagnoses, surgical errors, and violating a patient's privacy.
You can get professional liability insurance quotes from top-rated providers, such as The Hartford and Chubb, with a single online application through a digital insurance agency like Insureon. This can make the process easier and simpler.
Getting the right policy for your small business can be done in less than 24 hours with Insureon, offering peace of mind almost instantly.
See what others are reading: Small Business Insurance Cheapest
Choose Lower Limits

Choosing lower policy limits can be a way to save money on professional liability insurance, but it's essential to consider the tradeoff. If your business gets hit with an expensive lawsuit, you could end up paying thousands of dollars in legal fees if you don't have sufficient coverage.
One easy way to save money is by choosing lower per-occurrence limits and aggregate limits for your policy. This can result in significant cost savings, but be aware that there's a risk of not having enough coverage if a lawsuit arises.
Lowering your policy limits can lead to substantial cost savings, but it's crucial to weigh the benefits against the potential risks. If you choose lower limits, you'll want to consider the cost of your premium and the cost of a potential lawsuit against your business.
Here are some examples of lower policy limits and their corresponding costs:
Keep in mind that these costs are lower than the average cost of professional liability insurance, which is $61 per month.
Choose a Higher Deductible

Choosing a higher deductible can be a smart move for your business, but it's not without its trade-offs. If you select a higher deductible, you'll pay less for your insurance premium.
However, keep in mind that if you face a couple of expensive claims, your business might end up paying more in the long term. This is because you'll have to pay the deductible amount out of pocket before your insurer kicks in.
On the other hand, if you think it's unlikely you'll face a professional liability claim, a higher deductible might be a good option for you. You'll pay less for insurance, yet still have the professional liability coverage you need.
Here are some key things to consider when deciding on a deductible:
- If your deductible is $2,000 and you have a $25,000 claim, you'll have to pay $2,000 out of pocket before your insurer pays $23,000.
- If a claim doesn't meet your deductible, you'll have to pay the entire amount yourself.
- Choosing a higher deductible can reduce your premium, but it's essential to weigh the potential costs of an expensive claim against the savings on your premium.
Understanding Costs and Options
The cost of professional liability insurance can vary, but a national median cost through Progressive Commercial in 2023 was $42 per month, with an average monthly price of $64.

To get an accurate quote, you'll need to consider various factors that influence the cost of professional liability insurance. These can include the type of services you offer, the level of risk involved, and your business's history.
A professional liability claim can result in an increase in your premium, especially if you have multiple claims or one that's unusually expensive. You can reduce your risk of this happening by communicating openly with customers, letting them know in advance if you expect any problems or delays.
Professional liability insurance can help pay for damages and legal defense costs up to your policy limits for a variety of issues, including negligence and other mistakes, incorrect advice, misrepresentation, copyright infringement, personal injury, and failure to deliver a service.
You can customize your professional liability policy to suit your unique business needs and reduce costs. One way to do this is by choosing a policy with a retroactive date to cover incidents that occur before your policy begins.
Here are some types of claims that professional liability insurance typically excludes:
• Property damage
• Bodily injury
• Intentional acts
• Employee injuries
• Cyber incidents
• Contractual liability
Keep in mind that professional liability insurance is not a substitute for other types of business insurance, such as general liability insurance, workers' compensation insurance, and cyber insurance.
If this caught your attention, see: Cyber Insurance vs Crime Insurance
Specialized Coverages and Services
Professional liability insurance can be tailored to meet the unique needs of healthcare professionals, offering additional coverages for specialized risks.
Medical professional liability insurance can include professional license defense coverage, also known as personal liability, which can help cover costs related to defending your license.
Biomedical defense coverage is also available, which can help protect against claims related to medical devices or equipment.
HIPAA defense coverage is crucial for healthcare professionals, as it can help cover costs related to defending against claims of HIPAA violations.
Sexual misconduct defense coverage is another specialized coverage that can help protect against claims related to inappropriate behavior.
Telemedicine coverage is also available, which can help protect against claims related to remote medical services.
General liability insurance can also provide coverage for patient property damage and accidental injuries, as well as advertising injuries such as slander.
This policy can also help pay for legal defense costs, making it a valuable addition to your professional liability insurance.
Here are some examples of specialized coverages and services that may be included in your professional liability insurance:
- Professional license defense coverage
- Biomedical defense coverage
- HIPAA defense coverage
- Sexual misconduct defense coverage
- Telemedicine coverage
- General liability insurance
Policy Details and Requirements
General liability only protects against physical injury or property damage to a third party, such as medical payments if a customer slips and falls on a business owner's premises.
Professional liability, on the other hand, covers negligence related to advice and services, protecting against claims of substandard care, such as misdiagnoses, surgical errors, and medication errors.
This type of insurance coverage will help protect your practice from the cost of legal defense, including the cost of hiring a lawyer, and can help cover the cost of legal defense for claims of violating a patient's privacy.
On a similar theme: California Legal Malpractice Insurance
What Isn't Covered
When you have professional liability insurance, it's essential to know what isn't covered. Property damage, for instance, is not included in this type of insurance.
If a customer slips and falls in your office, general liability insurance would be the one to cover the costs, not professional liability insurance. This is why it's crucial to have a comprehensive insurance plan that covers all aspects of your business.
Explore further: In Insurance Policies the Insured Is Not Legally
Some claims that professional liability insurance specifically excludes are bodily injury, intentional acts, employee injuries, cyber incidents, and contractual liability. These are all important things to consider when getting a quote.
You may need to purchase additional insurance policies to cover these types of risks. For example, workers' compensation insurance is required in almost every state for businesses with employees.
Here's a quick rundown of what professional liability insurance doesn't cover:
- Property damage
- Bodily injury
- Intentional acts
- Employee injuries
- Cyber incidents
- Contractual liability
Keep in mind that professional liability insurance can still protect you against baseless lawsuits, so you can rest assured that you're covered in case of an unsupported negligence claim.
Policy vs Indemnity
Professional liability is a type of indemnity insurance, but it's specifically designed for businesses that offer advice and services.
Indemnity policies, on the other hand, cover a wider range of scenarios and industries.
You can ask your professional liability insurance company for more information on the differences when you get a quote.
Understanding the nuances between policy and indemnity is crucial to selecting the right coverage for your business.
Handling Policy Near Retirement or Leaving Practice
As you near retirement or decide to leave practice, it's essential to understand your policy's requirements and options. Most insurers offer a plan that provides free run-off coverage in exchange for continuous coverage for a stated period, usually five or more years, when you reach retirement age and cease practice permanently.
This can be a significant advantage, as it allows you to maintain coverage without additional premium payments. However, the specifics of this arrangement vary between insurers, so it's crucial to check with your provider to see if this option is available to you.
If you're called to active duty in the armed forces, there may be alternative arrangements that can be made to ensure your policy remains in effect. This can be a complex process, so it's best to consult with your insurer directly to discuss your options.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Why Are Nissans so Cheap?
Insurance Providers and Options
You can get affordable professional liability insurance by shopping around and comparing quotes from top-rated carriers. Insureon makes this process easier with a single online application that provides quotes from providers like The Hartford and Chubb.

Working with a digital insurance agency like Insureon can save you time and effort in finding the right policy. Their licensed insurance agents are available to help you customize a policy that meets your business's unique needs and state laws.
Getting a certificate of insurance (COI) is also relatively quick, taking less than 24 hours once you select a policy.
Suggestion: Who Is the Insured on a Life Insurance Policy
Bundle Other Policies
You can bundle your professional liability insurance with other policies to save money and simplify your insurance needs. This is often referred to as combining coverages.
You can bundle professional liability insurance with cyber insurance, which is commonly known as technology professional liability insurance or tech E&O insurance. This policy protects IT consultants and other tech professionals from lawsuits related to mistakes.
Some businesses can also bundle their professional liability policy with their general liability coverage, which is typically less expensive than buying each policy separately.
Progressive can help you get business insurance, including professional liability, in all states except Hawaii.
How to Change Medical Carriers
Changing medical liability insurance carriers can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. If you switch insurers, you'll need to take steps to prevent coverage gaps.
Either buy run-off ("tail") coverage from your old carrier or purchase prior acts ("nose" or retroactive) coverage from your new one. This will ensure you're not left without coverage during the transition.
Prior acts coverage sets a retroactive date, which allows your current policy to provide coverage back to the original effective date of your first policy.
What Medical Services Are Offered?
To get medical care, you'll want to know what services are offered. Health care providers in Texas may offer medical liability insurance to protect themselves from lawsuits.
Four kinds of insurers may offer medical liability insurance to health care providers in Texas. They are listed below but you'll need to check if they have legal standing in Texas.
To find out which providers are licensed to operate in Texas, you can call TDI Consumer Protection at 800-252-3439, or visit the Company Profiles website at Insurer Search to check on their status.
Additional reading: Can I Get Dental Insurance without Health Insurance
Licensed Insurers
Licensed Insurers are a great option for finding professional liability insurance. They are regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and must offer policies with certain provisions, such as a 90-day cancellation notice and a 90-day notice of nonrenewal or premium increase.
TDI regulates the policy forms and rates of licensed medical liability insurers, ensuring that they meet certain standards. Licensed insurers also offer protection through the Texas Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association, which provides up to $300,000 per claim if the carrier becomes insolvent.
Some examples of licensed insurers include those that offer medical malpractice insurance, such as the Texas Medical Liability Insurance Underwriting Association (JUA). The JUA was established by the Legislature in 1975 to insure physicians and other eligible health care providers who cannot obtain insurance in the voluntary market.
Here are some key benefits of working with licensed insurers:
- Protection through the Texas Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association
- Regulated policy forms and rates
- Legislatively mandated provisions, such as a 90-day cancellation notice
Overall, licensed insurers can provide peace of mind and protection for your business, making them a great option to consider when shopping for professional liability insurance.
Risk Management and Groups
Communicating openly with customers can help reduce the risk of lawsuits, which can increase your premium. This is crucial to paying less for professional liability insurance.
Having detailed contracts that outline services, timelines, and communication protocols can also help prevent disputes. This includes getting all communications in writing and having clients sign off on any changes.
By keeping your customers satisfied and informed, they're less likely to file a lawsuit. This is especially important in the healthcare industry, where mistakes can have serious consequences.
Here are some examples of situations that can lead to a lawsuit:
- Failure to uphold contractual promises
- Incomplete or substandard work
- Missed appointments and undelivered services
Malpractice insurance can provide protection against these types of claims, but it's essential to understand the differences between professional liability and malpractice insurance.
Manage Risks for Lower Premiums
Managing your risks is crucial to keeping your premium low. A professional liability claim can result in an increase in your premium, especially if you have multiple claims or one that's unusually expensive.

To avoid lawsuits, communicate openly with your customers. Let them know in advance if you expect any problems or delays, and give them a heads-up when you run into an issue that might impact your ability to deliver.
Having detailed contracts that stipulate what services you provide, when you'll provide them, and how both parties will communicate can also help. Make sure to get every communication in writing, and have clients sign off on any changes.
By keeping your customers satisfied and fully aware of what you're up to, they'll be far less likely to file a lawsuit.
Risk Purchasing and Retention Groups
Risk purchasing and retention groups are special entities that help individuals and businesses manage risk more effectively.
A risk purchasing group is formed under the federal Liability Risk Retention Act (LRRA) of 1986, and it's essentially a group of people or businesses with similar insurance needs.
To be eligible for a purchasing group, members must meet specific criteria set by the LRRA, and once formed, the group can use its collective power to negotiate lower insurance prices.

If a purchasing group buys insurance from a licensed insurer, it may be eligible for guaranty association protection if the insurer has at least $25 million in capital and surplus.
However, if the purchasing group is not eligible for guaranty association protection, it must disclose this to its members.
Licensed insurers that provide coverage to purchasing group members must file their policy forms and rates with the relevant state authorities.
Risk retention groups, on the other hand, are formed to provide insurance and are registered in Texas if they're licensed as an insurance company in their home state.
These groups don't buy commercial insurance policies; instead, members insure each other against liability claims and lawsuits.
Risk retention groups are not regulated in terms of rates and policy forms, and they're not covered by a guaranty association.
In fact, risk retention groups can purchase reinsurance to spread their risk and losses over several years.
A unique perspective: Physician Malpractice Insurance Rates by State
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is malpractice insurance per month?
Malpractice insurance costs vary from $10 to $3,000 per month, depending on the profession and level of risk. Find out how your specific profession's costs compare and why this insurance is crucial for every healthcare professional.
How much do you pay for medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice settlements typically range from $250,000 to $500,000, but can reach millions in severe cases. If you're seeking compensation, learn more about the process and potential outcomes.
Why is malpractice insurance so expensive?
Malpractice insurance rates are increasing due to higher claim payouts and rising jury awards in medical malpractice cases. This trend is driven by growing financial pressures on healthcare providers.
Sources
- https://www.insureon.com/small-business-insurance/professional-liability/cheap
- https://www.insureon.com/healthcare-professionals-business-insurance/professional-liability
- https://www.nextinsurance.com/professional-liability-insurance/
- https://www.progressivecommercial.com/business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance/
- https://www.tdi.texas.gov/commercial/pcmedmal.html
Featured Images: pexels.com