Start Your Custom Quote Process™
Our partners
Table of Contents
- Medical Liability Claims Trends for Illinois Healthcare Providers
- Who’s Practicing in Illinois: From Cook County to Downstate
- Do You Need Malpractice Insurance in Illinois?
- How Much Does Malpractice Insurance Cost in Illinois?
- How to Get the Best Coverage at the Right Price
- Medical malpractice requirements in Illinois.
- Client Testimonials
- Historic Medical Malpractice Insurance Rates in Illinois for Physicians.
- FAQs About Malpractice Insurance in Illinois
- Get a Quote from All Major Illinois Carriers
- Additional Resources for Illinois Doctors and Physicians
What Illinois Physicians Need to Know
Illinois has one of the most complex—and costly—malpractice environments in the U.S. Whether you’re practicing in Chicago or a rural part of the state, having the right malpractice coverage isn’t just smart, it’s often required. Rates vary by specialty, and the legal climate can make even experienced providers vulnerable to claims. That’s why physicians and advanced practitioners across the state rely on experts to help them find comprehensive, competitively priced malpractice insurance.
Medical Liability Claims Trends for Illinois Healthcare Providers
Illinois NPDB from 1990 to 2023
Who’s Practicing in Illinois: From Cook County to Downstate
Illinois is home to some of the most respected medical institutions in the country—including Northwestern, Rush, University of Chicago, and Advocate Health. With major hospitals concentrated in Cook County and a broad mix of urban and rural practices downstate, the state attracts a wide range of specialties:
- General practitioners and internal medicine providers
- Surgeons, OBGYNs, and other high-liability specialties
- Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
- Telehealth and hybrid-care clinicians
- Medical directors
While opportunities vary, one thing remains consistent: practicing without proper malpractice coverage puts your license, finances, and reputation at serious risk.
Do You Need Malpractice Insurance in Illinois?
In short: yes. Illinois doesn’t require all doctors to carry malpractice insurance by law, but most hospitals and employers do. For example:
- Major hospital systems like Advocate, AMITA, and Northwestern typically require proof of active malpractice coverage before granting admitting privileges.
- Physicians working independently, switching jobs, or retiring need to consider tail coverage—which protects you from claims filed after your policy ends.
Even if your employer provides some coverage, it may not follow you if you moonlight, transition roles, or change states. A qualified broker can help you understand whether supplemental or standalone coverage makes sense for your specific situation.
How Much Does Malpractice Insurance Cost in Illinois?
Malpractice premiums in Illinois are higher than in many other states, driven by the state’s legal environment and history of large payouts.
These rates can vary widely, especially by specialty and location. We help you get the most out of your options by quoting your coverage with every major insurer in the state, often saving our clients 25–40% compared to going direct or using limited-access agents.
Want to see what your policy might cost?
Request a free quote »
How to Get the Best Coverage at the Right Price
Not all malpractice insurance is created equal. Here’s how to make sure you’re protected and getting the best value:
- Compare multiple carriers. Rates and coverage terms vary by insurer—especially when it comes to tail coverage, limits, and exclusions.
- Work with a broker, not just a single company. A broker like Cunningham Group can shop all the top carriers and explain the differences clearly.
- Avoid shortcuts. Choosing lower limits may save money short-term, but could leave you exposed in a high-payout state like Illinois.
- Ask about discounts. New-to-practice, no-claims history, and risk management course completion can all lower your premium.
Pro tip: You’ll get the same quote from a carrier whether you go direct or work with a broker. But brokers give you options—and advocacy.
Illinois
- Internal Medicine Average Rate $12,175
- General Surgeon Average Rate $37,455
- OB/gyn – Average Rate $54,307
Medical malpractice requirements in Illinois.
Limits of Liability: The most common limits of liability in Illinois are $1 million per claim with an annual aggregate cap of $3 million.
Most hospitals require a physician carry malpractice insurance prior to granting admitting privileges. Some of the hospital systems requiring this include, but are not limited to, Advocate, AMITA and Northwestern.
Client Testimonials
Below is what a few clients have to say about our prices and service. We know that cost and trust are the two most important factors when shopping for your medical malpractice insurance. We pride ourselves at being the best at both!
Historic Medical Malpractice Insurance Rates in Illinois for Physicians.
FAQs About Malpractice Insurance in Illinois
Do I need my own policy if I’m employed by a hospital?
Maybe. Some employer-provided policies don’t cover moonlighting, gaps, or tail needs when you leave. It’s worth reviewing your contract.
Are malpractice premiums higher in Chicago?
Historically, yes, so location matters.
What limits of liability should I carry?
The standard is $1M per claim / $3M aggregate. Hospitals typically require these minimums, and we don’t recommend going lower.
Can I save money without sacrificing protection?
Absolutely. Many of our clients save up to 50% just by comparing quotes across top-rated insurers in the state.
Get a Quote from All Major Illinois Carriers
Cunningham Group is based in Illinois and has decades of experience helping physicians across the state find the right coverage. We work with every major malpractice insurance provider, including:
- ISMIE
- Medical Protective
- The Doctors Company
- NORCAL Group
- Coverys
Let us help you compare options, understand coverage terms, and secure the best price. Quotes are fast, free, and customized to your specialty.
Start your quote now »
Additional Resources for Illinois Doctors and Physicians
- Illinois State Medical Society
- Illinois Department of Insurance
- Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation
- Cunningham Group’s Physician Malpractice Guide
- 7 Secrets Your Malpractice Agent Won’t Tell You