Like all medical professionals, veterinarians can be sued for things they did or didn’t do while in practice. You can be meticulous and do everything right to the best of your professional understanding, but that doesn’t exempt you from irrational or malicious lawsuits. Veterinary malpractice insurance should be on your priority list to protect your business and finances, should you end up the target of such a lawsuit.

Veterinary malpractice insurance is specialized professional coverage that protects you and your practice from legal claims arising from your services. It’s essentially a safety net that provides financial and legal support in the event of a malpractice liability lawsuit.



How do you know what kind of insurance coverage you need as a veterinarian? How is it tailored to your practice, and why not go for general liability insurance instead? Let’s discuss.

Why Is Veterinary Malpractice Insurance Necessary?

Veterinarians are so special because they don’t just serve our farmers and wildlife; they also make our beloved pets feel better when they’re sick. Being a veterinarian is more than just a job; it’s a passion and a calling. But with that passion comes great responsibility, including the risk of facing legal action from clients who are dissatisfied with their pet’s treatment.

Someone could even sue you for advising them or failing to advise them in a way that resulted in financial loss, injury, or even their pet’s death.

For example, you may fail to know that an injured horse is also pregnant, and you end up recommending a treatment that causes harm to both the mother and the unborn foal.

Here’s another scenario where missing a symptom might get you into trouble. A cat with early-stage kidney disease may have normal bloodwork except for perhaps a slightly elevated SDMA but may also exhibit subtle signs like weight loss or increased thirst that could be missed without a thorough examination. These missed signs of pain and discomfort could lead to your client’s frustration and, ultimately, an expensive surgery.

What about a situation where you’re completely on the right, with no fault, and still end up being sued? Let’s say a couple breaks up aggressively over a pet’s treatment, and the ex-spouse decides to sue you just to get back at their former partner.

These are just some scenarios where veterinary malpractice insurance can protect you and your practice. The risks also vary, depending on whether you’re a freelance professional or a business owner who hires vets.

Types of Veterinary Insurance to Consider

We just agreed that risks vary depending on your role. Naturally, the mark of a sound insurance policy is the ability to provide tailored protection. Let’s go over some of the most common types of veterinary insurance that can help you mitigate risks and safeguard your career.

1. Veterinary Professional Liability Insurance

This insurance type explicitly protects you as a veterinary professional from financial liability arising from your services. You may need it in a medical malpractice lawsuit or if a client sues you for negligence, error, or omission.

It’s different from regular liability insurance, which covers accidents or property damage, because it focuses on upholding your professional standard of care. It covers your liability incurred while dispensing veterinary services such as consultation, diagnosis, treatment, and surgery.

We’ll discuss what it pays for and what it doesn’t in a later section.

2. Veterinary Business Insurance

Did you know that you can own a business that renders veterinary services? If you didn’t, this is a wake-up call for you. You can hire vets, veterinary assistants, lab technicians, and other staff members to work with you.

Someone who owns a veterinary business is worlds apart from an actual vet. You can be a vet who owns a business, but you don’t have to be one to run a veterinary business.

Veterinary business insurance covers you as a business owner, insuring your equipment and general business liabilities. It may even include professional liability insurance for your vets and their assistants.

3. Additional Coverage Options

Insurers diversify their packages and product features, and you may be interested in the following extra coverage options:

  • Cyber liability insurance for protection against cyberattacks and data breaches, which can be especially important if you store client information electronically.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance. Find out if veterinarians need workers’ compensation insurance.
  • Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) to protect against claims of discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination brought by employees.
  • Business interruption insurance pays for your lost income and expenses when covered events like equipment failure or hurricanes force your business to shut down.
  • Animal bailee coverage protects you if an animal in your care is injured or dies under your supervision due to negligence. You really need it if your facilities offer boarding or grooming services.
  • Commercial auto insurance covers any vehicles used for business purposes, such as mobile vet clinics or transportation of animals.

4. Pet Insurance

Now we’ve covered insurance for vets and veterinary business owners, let’s take a quick look at pet insurance.

Pet owners can buy this insurance to cover their pets’ medical expenses. As a vet, you may need to understand this type of insurance because some clients may have it for their pets. It’s different from veterinary professional liability insurance and doesn’t offer coverage for your services as a vet.

Pet insurance typically covers accidents, illnesses, and preventive care such as vaccinations or regular check-ups. Additional options may include coverage for alternative therapies or behavioral treatments.

Understanding pet insurance is essential when discussing treatment options with clients. Some may have coverage that allows for more extensive or expensive procedures, while others may lack the coverage and must decide based on their budget.

Additionally, pet insurance can help alleviate financial burdens for your clients, allowing them to focus on their pet’s wellness.

The Risks of Operating Without Malpractice Insurance

As a veterinarian, your main focus is likely providing quality care to animals. Dealing with a lawsuit can be upsetting and costly enough to underwhelm your passion for helping animals. However, without malpractice insurance, you may face costly legal fees and damages on top of the stress and emotional toll.

You may be sued for a mistake you made in good faith, or a frivolous suit may unsettle you. Whether founded or unfounded, malpractice lawsuits affect vets in the following ways.

1. Financial Burden

Without malpractice insurance, you may be responsible for all legal fees and damages if a lawsuit is brought against you. You want the best, most relevant lawyers to help you navigate the legal system, but these attorneys are not cheap.

Paying out of pocket for the best lawyers can be out of reach for you, and you may end up shelling out cash for a settlement or paying damages won by the plaintiff. Worse still, you may fail to clear your name despite your innocence.

Malpractice insurance will cover these costs, protecting you from financial ruin. Your insurer will help you investigate and either settle or depose the lawsuit without much of a financial impact on you.

2. Damage to Your Reputation

A malpractice lawsuit could spell doom for your professional career or vet business. Unless settled amicably or declared unfounded by a court of law, a lawsuit will impede your ability to get work, and clients won’t trust you as much.

With the help of a malpractice insurance lawyer, however, you can protect your reputation by investigating the claim and gathering evidence to prove your innocence.

The attorney paid for by your insurer will also advise you on the best way to negotiate a settlement with your client to mitigate any damage to your reputation.

For example, you may have genuinely misdiagnosed a pet, so your insurer’s lawyer may advise you to apologize and pay for any necessary corrective actions if the complainant signs an NDA (non-disclosure agreement). This way, your reputation will remain intact, and you can continue practicing without major setbacks.

3. Licensing and Credentialing Protection

Some vindictive clients may file a malpractice lawsuit trying to damage your reputation and/or revoke or suspend your professional license or credentials. Instead of seeking restitution for perceived wrongdoing, they may try to push you out of business altogether.

Seasoned malpractice attorneys, especially those who work with insurance agents or companies, have seen it all and will help you fight to protect your license. They will also help you file a counterclaim or defend yourself against any criminal charges filed by the complainant.

With a strong legal team on your side, you can easily expose any ulterior motives of the complainant and prevent them from ruining your professional career. Moreover, a malpractice insurance lawyer can also help you navigate the complex process of applying for or renewing professional licenses and credentials.

Key Features to Look for in Veterinary Malpractice Insurance

1. Consent to Settle Clause

This clause gives the insured party the final say in whether to settle a malpractice case or take it to court. Some insurers may try pushing for a quick settlement even if it’s not in your best interest.

2. Coverage Limits

Ensure the policy offers enough coverage for potential damages and legal fees. It’s better to have more coverage than needed rather than being underinsured when faced with a large claim.

For example, legal defense costs can be high, and you’ll also need a favorable limit for possible damages awarded against you.

3. Tail Coverage

This feature protects you for all your services rendered during a policy, even after the policy expires. In case a plaintiff discovers an issue much later and sues, you’ll still be protected.

4. Exclusions and Restrictions

Be sure to review any exclusions or restrictions in your policy carefully. Some insurers may limit certain procedures or treatments, leaving you vulnerable in case of a claim.

5. High Trial Win Rates

Choose an insurer with a high success rate in defending malpractice claims. A high win rate means they have a team of experienced lawyers who will vigorously defend your case.

6. Tailored Policies

Work with companies or agents who appreciate the unique needs of veterinary professionals and offer customized policies. It ensures that you get the specific coverage you need for your practice.

Professional Insurance Plans Bets on Vets!

Protecting your veterinary practice and personal assets requires careful consideration of your malpractice insurance needs. Veterinary professionals face a range of potential legal risks, from misdiagnosis and treatment complications to client disputes and even frivolous lawsuits. A comprehensive malpractice insurance policy is crucial for mitigating these risks.

Understanding the essential features of a robust policy is vital. Working with an insurance provider that understands the specific risks faced by veterinary professionals is essential for obtaining a truly tailored and effective policy.  By carefully assessing your needs and comparing policy options, you can secure the protection necessary to safeguard your career and financial well-being.