medical malpractice insurance
Coverage for the acts, errors, and omissions of physicians and surgeons,
encompassing physicians professional liability insurance, hospital professional
liability (HPL) insurance, and allied healthcare (e.g., nurses) professional liability
insurance. Although the majority of policies are written with a claims-made
coverage trigger, such coverage is sometimes available on an occurrence basis.
Typical exclusions are for: intentional/criminal acts, punitive damages, sexual
misconduct, and specialized procedures (e.g., radial keratotomy) for which coverage
may be "bought back" in return for additional premium. In addition to commercial
insurers, medical malpractice coverage is also available in most states through
physician-owned insurance companies known as "bedpan mutuals."
Links for IRMI Online Subscribers Only:
PLI XXII.B