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Table of Contents
- Medical Liability Claims Trends for New York Healthcare Providers
- Is Malpractice Insurance Required in New York?
- Why Physicians in New York Need Malpractice Insurance
- What Drives Malpractice Insurance Rates in New York?
- Client Testimonials
- How to Find the Best Malpractice Coverage in New York
- Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Malpractice Insurance in New York
- Get a Quote from All Major New York Carriers
- Resources for New York Physicians
What New York Medical Professionals Should Know About Malpractice Coverage
Practicing medicine in New York comes with high professional standards, and high legal exposure. Whether you’re in private practice in Westchester or on staff at a major NYC hospital, malpractice claims are a daily risk. While New York doesn’t mandate coverage by law, most hospital systems (like Mount Sinai and Montefiore) require physicians to carry medical malpractice insurance to maintain privileges. And given the state’s history of large payouts and complex regulations, going without coverage just isn’t an option
Medical Liability Claims Trends for New York Healthcare Providers
New York NPDB from 1990 to 2023
Is Malpractice Insurance Required in New York?
Technically, no. The state of New York does not legally require physicians to carry malpractice insurance. But in practice, most healthcare facilities, including top hospitals like NYU Langone, Upstate Medical, and NewYork-Presbyterian, require active coverage as a condition for employment or admitting privileges.The standard limits of liability in New York are $1.3 million per claim / $3.9 million aggregate per year, though some physicians opt for higher limits depending on specialty or contractual obligations.
Why Physicians in New York Need Malpractice Insurance
New York is consistently one of the most litigious states when it comes to medical malpractice. In fact, the state led the nation in total malpractice payouts in 2024, with more than $550 million in claims.
What’s more, the majority of New York malpractice cases are settled before trial, yet defense costs and settlement amounts have surged. Between rising legal fees, longer case durations, and the increasing frequency of “nuclear verdicts” (jury awards over $10 million), having comprehensive coverage isn’t just a precaution, it’s protection for your license, livelihood, and reputation.
What Drives Malpractice Insurance Rates in New York?
Rates in New York are among the highest in the nation, and they vary drastically by county. For example, a general surgeon in Manhattan may pay over double the premium of a peer practicing upstate.
Here’s what influences how much you’ll pay:
- Practice location: Rates are zip-code specific. NYC-area physicians pay the most.
- Specialty: Higher-risk fields like OB/GYN or surgery command higher premiums.
- Policy type: Occurrence policies (common in NY) are pricier but don’t require tail coverage.
- Claims history: Past malpractice claims will raise your premium.
- Coverage limits: Higher limits = higher cost.
- Hours worked: Full-time practice usually means higher exposure, and higher premiums.
It’s also worth noting that insurance defense costs are climbing, and 68% of medical groups nationwide reported premium hikes in the last year, with an average increase of 11%.
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!
How to Find the Best Malpractice Coverage in New York
New York has one of the most complex medical liability insurance markets in the country. The state has only a few admitted carriers (like MLMIC, PRI, and The Doctors Company), along with a mix of risk retention groups and non-admitted insurers. Shopping effectively means understanding how these companies differ in coverage terms, financial stability, and appetite for specific specialties.
Thanks to our extensive network, we frequently help reduce your final cost by an additional 25–40%. By shopping your coverage across more insurance companies than anyone else, we ensure you receive the lowest possible price, without compromising coverage.
We also help physicians understand which policy type fits best (claims-made vs. occurrence), when to consider tail coverage, and how to position yourself for better renewal pricing.
New York
- Internal Medicine Average Rate $5,220
- General Surgeon Average Rate $22,541
- OB/gyn – Average Rate $28,212
Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Malpractice Insurance in New York
Is malpractice insurance mandatory in New York?
Not by law, but most hospitals and employers require it. Going without coverage leaves you personally liable in the event of a claim.
Why are New York rates so high?
Large settlements, frequent litigation, and limited tort reform all contribute. The state also has a long-standing pattern of high jury awards.
Do I need tail coverage in New York?
Only if you have a claims-made policy and switch carriers or retire. Many physicians opt for occurrence policies, which don’t require tail, though they typically cost more upfront.
Which companies offer malpractice insurance in New York?
Major players include MLMIC, PRI (EmPRO), The Doctors Company, MedPro RRG, and others. Not all carriers write in every specialty, so it’s important to work with a broker who knows the full market.
Can I get discounts?
Yes, especially if you’re new to practice, part of a group, or have no claims history. Our brokers help identify available credits and risk reduction strategies that can lower your cost.
Get a Quote from All Major New York Carriers
We work with:
- Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company (MLMIC)
- Physician’s Reciprocal Insurance (PRI)
- Hospitals Insurance Co.
- MedPro RRG
- The Doctors Company
Every carrier. Every angle. We’ll help you find the smartest policy for your situation.
Resources for New York Physicians
Medical Society of the State of New York
Medical Malpractice Insurance Guide
New York State Department of Financial Services
Office of the Professions – New York State Education
New York State Osteopathic Medical Society
All MD New York Healthcare Defense Attorney Listing