Plastic Surgeon Malpractice Insurance Cost
Because malpractice insurance companies classify plastic surgery as a high risk specialty, plastic surgeons should expect to pay higher premiums for a liability policy when compared to other, lower-risk specialties.
Rates are also dependent on a plastic surgeon’s prior claims history and location.
To confirm you always have the right coverage at the lowest available rates, savvy plastic surgeons should periodically check-in with a medical malpractice insurance broker. An independent agent that specializes in plastic surgeon insurance can help you to re-evaluate your needs and keep you updated on any changes in your specialty’s marketplace.
See below for average rates by location for plastic surgeons. Mature claims-made estimates below are for informational purposes only. Occurrence coverage may be available. To get your personalized rate estimate, please request a quote.
All Plastic Surgeons Need Medical Malpractice Insurance
Medical malpractice insurance carriers classify plastic surgeons as high risk because they have a very high likelihood of being sued – particularly for outcomes that don’t meet a patient’s expectations.
Even when a malpractice claim is dropped or settled, malpractice insurance lawsuits can still be expensive. Having the right medical malpractice insurance policy in place can protect plastic surgeons from having to pay out of pocket for court fees, attorneys, expert witnesses, and actual damages and losses awarded to the plaintiff that result from a lawsuit.
Medical Malpractice Insurance Rates for plastic SURGEONs BY STATE
| City | State | Premium Estimate | Limits of Liability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | AL | $35,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Little Rock | AR | $35,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Phoenix | AZ | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Los Angeles | CA | $30,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Denver | CO | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Bridgeport | CT | $70,000 | $1,000,000/$4,000,000 |
| Wilmington | DE | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Washington DC | $75,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 | |
| Miami | FL* | $70,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Miami | FL* | $55,000 | $250,000/$750,000 |
| Atlanta | GA | $45,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Honolulu | HI | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Des Moines | IA | $30,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Boise | ID | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Chicago | IL | $80,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Wichita | KS | $30,000 + KS HCSF | $200,000/$600,000 |
| Louisville | KY | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Indianapolis | IN | $30,000 + IN PCF | $250,000/$750,000 |
| New Orleans | LA | $30,000 + LA PCF | $100,000/$300,000 |
| Boston | MA | $45,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Baltimore | MD | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Portland | ME | $35,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Detroit | MI | $60,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| St. Louis | MO | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Minneapolis | MN | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Jackson | MS | $55,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Billings | MT | $60,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Charlotte | NC | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Fargo | ND | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Omaha | NE | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Manchester | NH | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Albuquerque | NM | $35,000 + NM PCF | $200,000/$600,000* |
| Newark | NJ | $55,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Las Vegas | NV | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Manhattan, NY | NY | $125,000 | $1,300,000/$3,900,000 |
| Columbus | OH | $30,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Oklahoma City | OK | $45,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Portland | OR | $30,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Philadelphia | PA | $55,000 + MCARE | $500,000/$1,500,000 |
| Providence | RI | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Charleston | SC | $30,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Sioux Falls | SD | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Nashville | TN | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Houston | TX* | $30,000 | $200,000/$600,000 |
| Houston | TX* | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Salt Lake City | UT | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Burlington | VT | $30,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Seattle | WA | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Virginia Beach | VA | $40,000 | $2,450,000/$7,350,000 |
| Milwaukee | WI | $25,000 + PCF | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
|
Charleston
|
WV | $60,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Cheyenne | WY | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
* (Only Occurrence; no Claims-Made coverage)
Plastic Surgeons and Medical Malpractice Risk
Due to the nature of the surgery they provide, plastic surgeons are much more vulnerable to lawsuits than other physicians. Patients who experience poor outcomes, despite receiving the highest standard of care, can become litigious when their expectations aren’t met. The majority of medical malpractice claims against plastic surgeons come from the elective, cosmetic portion of their practice. A study of 415 closed claims from 2015 to 2018 found that:
Medical Malpractice Risk Management Saves Plastic Surgeons Money
Plastic surgeons are often eligible for discounts on their policies upon completion of risk management courses. These CME-approved programs are designed to reduce the frequency of malpractice claims, help minimize financial loss to a plastic surgeon’s practice (and therefore loss to the insurance company itself) and improve patient outcomes – all while helping doctors save thousands on their insurance premiums.
It’s also important to note that physicians who complete risk management courses offered by their insurance carrier usually have a better chance of being renewed by that same carrier if a claim is brought against them.
In addition, professional national organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) provide risk management courses that can be completed for credits and discounts. Plastic surgeons should also check into their specialty’s professional organizations for the same benefits.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends the following actions to help reduce a plastic surgeon’s likelihood of having a claim brought against them:
- Reduce risk by conducting a thorough initial assessment to make sure the patient is the right fit for your practice
- Have patients read, discuss, and sign consent forms from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) to bolster informed consent
- Help patients set reasonable expectations about outcomes (including reoperation) and maintain clear communication at all times
- Manage patients closely post-procedure and throughout recovery to avoid adverse events – make yourself available for questions or problems
SURGPLI Helps Plastic Surgeons Find the Policy That Best Fits Their Needs
At SURGPLI, we specialize in plastic surgeon malpractice insurance, so you can always trust that the policies we find for you are exactly what you need to ensure your practice is protected.
SURGPLI works with A-rated carriers that offer great rates on medical malpractice insurance for plastic surgeons. You’ll get robust protection with us and save thousands of dollars on your premium each year.
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