Malpractice insurance is a crucial aspect of any healthcare professional’s career, including physician assistants (PAs). All healthcare professionals face the risk of malpractice lawsuits, sometimes even when they aren’t at fault. PAs are no exception. Malpractice insurance covers the costs in case you’re sued for medical negligence or malpractice, protecting your financial stability and reputation.

Malpractice insurance requires your consent to cross-examine claims against you, negotiate, and even litigate if necessary. It pays for your legal defense, settlements, and damages awarded to the patient if you’re at fault for an adverse outcome. It affords you peace of mind to focus on rendering quality healthcare.



You can’t understate the importance of tailored coverage that fits a PA’s scope of practice. This post will delve more into malpractice insurance for PAs, its coverage, and how to choose the right policy.

Why Physician Assistants Need Malpractice Insurance

Physician assistants take supervision from physicians to render different healthcare services, such as:

  • Diagnosing illnesses.
  • Prescribing medication.
  • Interpreting tests.
  • Counseling patients.
  • Assisting in surgeries.
  • Conducting physical exams.

As a PA, you’re part of a healthcare team, and you’re essential for improving patient outcomes. Your responsibilities may even extend beyond directly caring for patients.

You may also have administrative duties, such as:

  • Maintaining medical records.
  • Scheduling appointments.
  • Managing inventory.

You may also participate in research projects and contribute to healthcare policy development.

PAs train in various medicine specialties, such as internal medicine, family practice, emergency medicine, and surgery. You can also focus on specific fields like pediatrics, dermatology, or oncology.

Potential Legal Risks Faced by PAs in Their Practice

PAs bear immense responsibility and face potential risks in their day-to-day practice. Malpractice insurance protects them from financial losses resulting from negligence claims or accusations of errors and omissions.

For example, you may be assigned to a task outside of your practice scope, causing harm. In such cases, you may face a malpractice lawsuit and potentially be held liable for damages.

Another scenario in which a claim can arise is when a patient reports a negative reaction to the medication that you prescribed. You’ll be held responsible if inquiries find that you didn’t take sufficient precautions or follow proper protocols.

Furthermore, as PAs continue to expand their scope of practice and take on more independent responsibilities, they may also face legal challenges related to state regulations and restrictions.

For instance, some states impose laws regarding PA supervision by physicians, and noncompliance bears legal consequences. Here’s more on physician assistant malpractice insurance and why you need it.

Understanding the Cost of Malpractice Insurance for Physician Assistants

A professional hack for PAs entails buying malpractice insurance. While it may seem like an added expense, it provides crucial protection and peace of mind.

PA malpractice insurance prices vary depending on several factors, such as:

1. Experience Level

Like all professions, the more experience a PA has, the less risky their practice is perceived to be. PAs with several years of experience and no history of malpractice claims may pay lower premiums than those who are just starting out.

2. Specialties

Some specialties carry higher risks and, therefore, require higher insurance premiums. For example, a PA working in surgery or emergency medicine may have a higher premium than one working in primary care.

3. Geographic Location

Insurance companies also consider the location where a PA practices when determining the cost of coverage. In areas with a high volume of medical malpractice lawsuits or expensive settlements, insurance rates may be higher.

County and state laws also affect the cost of malpractice insurance. For instance, some states cap the amount that can be awarded in medical liability cases, causing lower insurance rates.

4. Coverage Limits and Deductibles

Did you know that the amount of coverage you choose can impact your insurance costs? The more they offer to pay for your troubles, the more expensive your premiums may be.

Similarly, deductibles also affect insurance rates. A deductible is the amount you, as a PA, must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage begins. Higher deductibles often attract lower premiums but may end up costing more when a claim is made.

5. Claims History

Insurance companies also consider a PA’s history of malpractice claims when determining coverage rates. If a PA has had multiple claims in the past, they may be considered more risky to insure and, therefore, have higher premiums.

In contrast, having a clean claims history can result in lower insurance rates over time as it shows that the PA follows proper protocols and practices safely.

What to Look for in the Best Malpractice Insurance for Physician Assistants

Let’s discuss what to look for when choosing malpractice insurance for physician assistants.

1. Comprehensive Coverage

The best malpractice insurance policies should provide comprehensive coverage that includes both defense costs and indemnity payments in case of a claim.

Defense costs include legal fees, court expenses, and expert witness fees, while indemnity payments cover any damages awarded to the plaintiff.

2. Tail Coverage

PAs leaving or transitioning from one practice to another should consider purchasing tail coverage. This type of coverage extends your policy beyond its expiration date and protects you from claims made after you have left your previous job.

3. Good Reputation of the Insurance Company

You want to work with a reputable insurer with a credible reputation of reliably covering PAs in the past. Before deciding, look into the insurer’s financial stability, claims process, and overall customer satisfaction.

4. Adequate Limits

When choosing malpractice insurance, it’s crucial to ensure that the policy provides adequate limits. These limits refer to the maximum amount the insurer will pay in your stead.

As a PA, you want a policy with high enough limits to protect you from any potential lawsuits or damages.

5. Consent-to-Settle Clause

Let’s say a claim against you is made, and you think it’s unfair and unfounded. Your insurers think it’s cheaper to settle with the claimant, but you think settling would be an admission of guilt and ruin your reputation.

A consent-to-settle clause in your insurance policy allows you to have a say in whether or not to settle a claim. Sometimes, it’s better to go to court, argue your case, and clear your name rather than settle and potentially damage your reputation.

How to Get a Physician Assistant Malpractice Insurance Quote

Getting a quote for malpractice insurance as a PA is relatively easy and involves three simple steps:

1. Research and Compare Insurers

Start by researching different insurers who offer malpractice insurance for PAs. Consider their reputation, financial stability, claims process, and customer satisfaction.

Compare each insurer’s coverage options and limits to determine which offers the best value for your needs.

2. Fill Out an Application Form

Once you have chosen an insurer, you will complete an application form with basic information about yourself and your practice. This may include details about your education, work experience, certifications, and any previous claims or lawsuits.

Provide accurate answers in your application to receive valid quotes to avoid any potential issues.

3. Receive and Review Your Quote

Only after submitting an application will insurers evaluate your situation and send you a quotation. Take the time to review it carefully.

Always seek answers to any arising questions or concerns by asking your insurer for clarification.

If everything looks good, you can purchase your PA malpractice insurance policy. Congratulations, you are now protected against potential malpractice claims!

Why Professional Insurance Plans Is Best for You

At Professional Insurance Plans, we insure over 3000 healthcare professionals nationwide. We have experienced first-hand how vastly different the risks involved are for various healthcare roles.

That’s why we offer specialized malpractice insurance plans tailored to the unique needs of PAs. These plans differ from physician liability insurance because they cover two entirely different roles with different risks.

Along with customizable coverage options and competitive pricing, our team takes pride in rendering excellent customer service and support. We understand that shopping for, negotiating and buying insurance can be daunting, so we endeavor to simplify the process to the best of our abilities.

Posted in Medical Malpractice