Malpractice Liability Insurance

Updated: 07 May 2026

What Does Malpractice Liability Insurance Mean?

Malpractice liability insurance is a policy designed for health professionals, such as doctors and nurses, that provides financial protection in the event of a lawsuit filed by an aggrieved patient or for claims made regarding injuries related to their services. It is a type of professional liability insurance built for the medical field, where mistakes during treatment can lead to serious patient injuries and large claims.

Insuranceopedia Explains Malpractice Liability Insurance

A person may claim that surgery has worsened their condition and sue the surgeon for professional incompetence or negligence. Malpractice liability insurance will cover the surgeon for the duration of the trial. If the court awards the plaintiff money from the surgeon-defendant, the policy may also help cover the financial compensation, but the amount will depend on the specific terms outlined in the policy for such a scenario. Premiums vary a lot by specialty and claim history, with surgeons and OB-GYNs usually paying more than primary care doctors. Our guide to doctor and physician insurance costs covers typical price ranges.