Many professionals have liability insurance to cover against any claims made from allegations of negligence. However, medical professionals require a separate class of insurance known as medical malpractice coverage, since their practices are especially subject to risk and since claims in this field can be substantial.

Medical malpractice coverage is for legal claims arising from allegations of medical negligence and malpractice. This insurance helps to cover defense fees, expert witness costs, legal fees and settlement costs.

Many insurance policies for medical malpractice cover professional work as a physician or other medical professional but may also cover your work on peer review panels.

If such a decision results in a lawsuit, malpractice coverage will protect you up to the policy limit.

​

Medical malpractice insurance covers physicians for claims resulting from allegations of wrong site surgery, misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, childbirth-related injuries and other claims of wrongdoing. However, there are some exceptions. This insurance will typically not cover claims of sexual misconduct or illegal acts. Also, the policy may be void if a physician materially misrepresents facts when applying for a policy.