We offer Medical Malpractice Insurance coverage in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, New York and Florida.
Please ask one of our agents how we can provide you with insurance across multiple states.
What is medical malpractice insurance?
Healthcare providers are exposed to significant liability risks when rendering care. A single mistake in diagnosis, treatment, or surgery could have dire consequences for a patient, and a costly lawsuit might follow. Medical malpractice insurance may help healthcare providers in Massachusetts protect against such risk.
Medical malpractice insurance offers specialized liability coverage for those in healthcare. Policies may cover attorney fees, court fees, and settlements in the event of a covered claim.
Because medical malpractice is a highly specialized coverage, it’s important to work with an agent who understands it well. A knowledgeable agent will be able to help providers select a policy that suits the level of care that they provide.
Who in Massachusetts needs to carry medical malpractice coverage?
Most medical providers practicing in Massachusetts are required per state law to carry medical malpractice coverage. Coverage might also be required by a licensing board.
For example, the following providers may need to have coverage:
- Primary care providers (PCPs)
- Surgeons and other specialists
- Nurse practitioners and physician assistants
- RN and LPN nurses
- HMOs and healthcare groups
- Hospitals, outpatient centers, and doctors offices
Even when coverage isn’t technically required, it’s still strongly recommended in most cases. Not insuring could be financially devastating if a patient is harmed by a provider’s mistake.
Quotes Available in MA, RI, CT, NH, ME, NY and FL
What errors does medical malpractice cover?
Medical malpractice generally covers legal claims alleging malpractice or negligence. Depending on a policy’s terms, errors such as the following might be covered:
Claims generally need to show that a mistake fell below a provider’s standard of care to be successful. Unsuccessful claims can still be costly to defend against, though.
Do chiropractors need to have medical malpractice coverage?
Chiropractors may not be legally required to carry malpractice coverage. The protection is still broadly recommended, however, as a chiropractic error can result in serious injury.
An insurance agent who knows malpractice insurance well should be able to help chiropractors explore their coverage options.
What’s the “take all comers” statute in Massachusetts?
The “take all comers’ statute generally requires that insurance companies make medical malpractice coverage available to every medical provider in the state. The statute normally applies to all licensed insurers currently underwriting policies in the state.
Under the statute, insurance companies usually must make all medical malpractice coverages available to all medical providers (as defined in the statute). The same limits usually have to be offered to all providers who render the same level of care.
This helps ensure that all providers have adequate access to coverage, even if they’re in a higher-risk category because of the care they render or for other reasons.
How much does medical malpractice cost in Massachusetts?
The take all comers statute doesn’t necessarily prohibit insurance companies from charging different rates. Insurers regularly adjust premiums based on the level of care that a provider offers, and can make other reasonable and defendable adjustments. They frequently adjust rates based on the provider’s:
- Level of care
- Specialty (if applicable)
- Years of experience
- Number of hours worked
- Previous claims (if any)
While insurance companies might offer the same coverages to all providers at a certain level, it’s still important to compare policy options. Providers often can choose or forgo some optional protections, and premiums regularly vary.
An independent insurance agent can help providers compare policies from different insurers, helping choose coverages and check rates.
How can providers get medical malpractice insurance?
If you’re in need of new medical malpractice insurance, contact the independent insurance agents at Coonan Insurance Agency. We’ve helped many providers find the right coverage for them, and we’ll work closely with you to find a policy that offers the protections you want. We’ll get you well insured whatever your level of care and specialty are.
