Professionals
Published by Andrea Stearns
Last Updated On: June 18, 2024

Best Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners

Published on: Jun 18, 2024

The everyday job of a nurse practitioner carries a lot of unforeseen risks that can happen no matter how careful and experienced you are. One small mistake can influence your career and maybe even lead to a lawsuit. Why live in the fear of something going wrong every day when you can get malpractice insurance at a decent price and do your job stress-free?

Malpractice insurance offers essential protection against legal claims and financial liabilities that could occur in case of any real or alleged medical error. 

This article will help you learn about the best malpractice insurance options for NPs, the types of coverage available, and factors to consider when choosing a policy.

Please note: This article is for informational purposes only. For legal advice, please consult qualified legal counsel.

Key Takeaways

• Malpractice insurance provides legal protection, financial security, and professional credibility to nurse practitioners. 
• There are different types of malpractice insurance available for NPs.
• The cost of malpractice insurance varies based on factors such as location, specialty, and coverage limits.
• Choosing the best malpractice insurance involves comparing coverage options and costs.

What is Nurse Practitioner Malpractice Insurance?

Nurse Practitioner (NP) malpractice insurance is a form of professional liability insurance created to protect NPs against legal claims arising from their practice. 

This means that in case of any work-related error or accident, medical malpractice insurance for nurses covers:

• Legal fees 
• Court costs 
• Settlements in the event of a lawsuit regarding medical errors, negligence, or omissions. 

Nurse practitioners face daily risks and potential lawsuits, even when not at fault. For example, if NPs are not aware that the fillers they are using are not authentic, the patients can have severe side effects after administration. This highlights the need for educating nurse practitioners in recognizing authentic fillers for their and patient safety.

Do Nurse Practitioners Need Malpractice Insurance?

Nurse practitioners have a great patient responsibility as they can diagnose patients and even prescribe treatments. So yes, malpractice insurance is essential. No matter how well nurses educate their patients, many lawsuits can still arise for patients’ ignorance. 

In case of any claim, malpractice insurance companies pay out on average $200,000, while the yearly premium for the insurance is around $100.

There are several reasons malpractice insurance is needed:

• Legal protection—Malpractice insurance covers legal fees and settlements if a patient files a lawsuit. This includes the costs associated with legal defense, court fees, and any settlements or judgments that may be awarded. 
• Financial security—Medical malpractice insurance for nurses protects personal assets against large financial claims. In the event of a lawsuit, personal savings, property, and other assets could be at risk without adequate coverage. Insurance ensures that NPs can continue their practice without the fear of financial ruin.
• Professional credibility—Having malpractice insurance shows patients, employers, and peers that the NP is dedicated to maintaining high standards of care

Overall, nurse practitioners who choose malpractice insurance will have essential protection and peace of mind. This allows them to focus on delivering quality healthcare regardless of whether it is a full-face rejuvenation technique or a more serious medical treatment.

Types of Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners

There are two main types of malpractice insurance options—claims-made and occurrence-based policies.

• Claims-made insurance—This type of policy covers nurse practitioners if the policy is active both when the incident occurred and when the claim is filed. If you opt for this option, it’s smart to get a “tail coverage” to extend protection after the policy ends. 
• Occurrence-based insurance—This policy covers any incidents that occur during the period the policy is active, regardless of when the claim is filed. This type of insurance is generally more expensive but provides long-term peace of mind and you don’t need to pay for tail coverage in this case.

To learn more about dermal filler danger zones for face injection and avoid claims, you can read more about it here. 

Average Cost of Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners

The cost of malpractice insurance is influenced by many different factors. NPs can expect to pay between $500 and $1,500+ annually on average for malpractice insurance.

Where you live can significantly influence your insurance premium. This means that if you live in an urban area or area with high litigation, your premium will be higher compared to NPs who live in rural areas.

If you specialize in high-risk fields such as anesthesia or emergency care, this will increase your insurance cost because of the high claims risk. 

Also, higher coverage limits provide more protection but come with higher premiums. Lastly, if you are an NP with a history of claims, you might face higher premiums.

Understanding what influences these costs is crucial to find the best malpractice insurance. Besides the mentioned factors, patient motivations and behaviors can also impact NP practice. If you are specialized in aesthetics, we recommend this guide on understanding patients’ motivations for seeking cosmetic procedures.

FAQ

What type of policy would be best to cover the NP’s needs?

It’s best to get an occurrence-based policy. It covers you for all the incidents, regardless of when the claim is filed.

Which state has the highest malpractice insurance?

New York and Pennsylvania typically have the highest malpractice insurance premiums.

What is the best nursing insurance?

The best nursing insurance provides comprehensive coverage, including protection against non-authentic filler claims.

Which is better, claims-made or occurrence?

Occurrence-based policies are generally better as they offer broader coverage over time and you don’t need to pay for tail coverage.

Is malpractice insurance worth it for nurses?

Yes, medical malpractice insurance for nurses is worth it. It offers protection against legal claims and financial liabilities, ensuring peace of mind and the ability to focus on delivering quality care. To find more useful information and products for your practice, visit our website.  

References

1. NP Schools. NP Guide to Malpractice Insurance. (November 13, 2023): https://www.npschools.com/blog/np-guide-to-malpractice-insurance
2. CM&F Group. Nurse Practitioner Malpractice Insurance: https://www.cmfgroup.com/malpractice-insurance/nurse-practitioner-malpractice-insurance/
3. GoodRx. Do Nurses Need Malpractice/Professional Liability Insurance? (January 11, 2022): https://www.goodrx.com/hcp-articles/nurses/do-nurses-need-malpractice-professional-liability-insurance
4. Nurse.org. Nursing Malpractice Insurance. (July 29, 2022): https://nurse.org/education/nursing-malpractice-insurance/