Professional Liability Insurance for Doctors: What to Know

As a healthcare provider, your priority is caring for patients—but protecting your career is just as important. That’s where professional liability insurance for doctors comes in. Also known as medical malpractice insurance, this essential coverage helps safeguard your practice, your finances, and your reputation.

What Is Professional Liability Insurance?

 

Professional liability insurance protects professionals—like doctors, surgeons, and nurses—against claims of negligence, misdiagnosis, errors in treatment, or omissions during the course of patient care. Even the most experienced and careful physicians can face lawsuits, and defending yourself can be costly, even if the claims are unfounded.

Why Doctors Need It

 

Healthcare is a high-risk field. One small mistake, or even a perceived one, can result in a lawsuit. Professional liability insurance for doctors helps cover:

  • Legal defense costs

  • Settlement and judgment fees

  • Court costs and administrative expenses

  • Licensing board complaints

Whether you’re in private practice or part of a larger healthcare facility, this type of insurance provides peace of mind and allows you to focus on what matters most—your patients.

What to Look for in a Policy

 

When choosing professional liability insurance, here are key factors to consider:

  • Claims-made vs. occurrence policies: Claims-made policies cover incidents only if both the incident and the claim occur during the policy period. Occurrence policies cover any incident that happens during the policy period, even if the claim is filed later.

  • Coverage limits: Make sure the policy limits are sufficient for your specialty and location.

  • Tail coverage: If you switch jobs or retire, tail coverage extends protection beyond the policy period.

  • Consent to settle: Some policies require your consent before settling a claim, giving you more control over your reputation.

  • Defense costs: Look for policies where legal defense costs are paid in addition to the policy limits—not taken from them.

Let Aleaf Insurance Help You Choose the Right Coverage

 

At Aleaf Insurance Agency Inc., we specialize in matching healthcare professionals with the right coverage for their practice. Whether you're just starting out or reviewing your current policy, we’ll walk you through your options and help you make an informed decision.

 

Ready to protect your practice with the right professional liability insurance for doctors? Contact Aleaf Insurance Agency Inc. today for a personalized consultation. We’re here to help you safeguard your career—so you can keep saving lives.