Table of Contents
What is the Cost of Medical Malpractice Insurance in Arizona?
What is the Cost of Medical Malpractice Insurance in Arizona?
These rate estimates are for informational purposes only and are based on the AZ standard limits of $1,000,000 per claim and $3,000,000 aggregate per year in coverage.
Quotes require a completed application and underwriter approval. Contact us for a custom estimate if you don’t see your specialty.
Average Medical Malpractice Insurance Cost
by Specialty in Arizona
(2026 data, $1M/$3M coverage)
| Specialty | 2026 Annual Premium |
2026 Tail Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiology | $20,400 | $40,800 |
| Cardiovascular Disease– Minor Surgery | $22,440 | $44,880 |
| Dermatology– No Surgery | $12,240 | $24,480 |
| Emergency Medicine | $28,560 | $57,120 |
| Family Practice– No Surgery | $14,280 | $28,560 |
| Gastroenterology– No Surgery | $15,300 | $30,600 |
| General Practice– No Surgery | $15,300 | $30,600 |
| General Surgery | $48,960 | $97,920 |
| Internal Medicine– No Surgery | $15,300 | $30,600 |
| Neurology– No Surgery | $17,340 | $34,680 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology– Major Surgery | $71,400 | $142,800 |
| Occupational Medicine | $10,200 | $20,400 |
| Ophthalmology– No Surgery | $9,180 | $18,360 |
| Orthopedic Surgery– No Spine | $39,780 | $79,560 |
| Pathology– No Surgery | $11,220 | $22,440 |
| Pediatrics– No Surgery | $14,280 | $28,560 |
| Pulmonary Disease– No Surgery | $18,360 | $36,720 |
| Psychiatry | $9,180 | $18,360 |
| Radiology – Diagnostic | $20,400 | $40,800 |
*Note: These rates are approximate, and each individual has unique factors that can affect their premium.
Have a question? Get fast answers from a U.S.-based MEDPLI agent. Call 1-800-969-1339 or email info@medpli.com.
Average Medical Malpractice Payouts in Arizona From 2015-2024
In 2024, Arizona physicians were held liable for 182 medical malpractice payouts.
- Average Payout: $487,946
- Total Payout: $88,806,250
(Source: National Practitioner Data Bank)
Arizona Professional Liability Insurance for Physicians
Physicians in Arizona can choose between these two primary types of medical malpractice insurance:
- Provides coverage for incidents that occurred during the policy period IF the claim is filed while the policy is still active. If a claim is filed after the policy ends, that claim is NOT covered.
- Typically, it offers lower premiums at the start of the policy, but rates increase yearly as the policy matures.
- Physicians need to obtain tail insurance coverage when a claims-made policy ends to ensure protection against future claims related to incidents that occurred during the policy period. Tail insurance premiums require a one-time cash payment equal to approximately 200% of the claims-made policy annual premium.
- Provides coverage for incidents that occurred during the policy period, regardless of when a claim is reported to the carrier.
- Typically, it offers higher premiums at the start of the policy, but the rate remains constant for the entire policy term.
- Physicians do not need tail coverage when an occurrence policy ends.
What Are the Arizona Medical Malpractice Caps on Lawsuits?
Non-economic or economic damage caps for medical malpractice lawsuits are considered unconstitutional in Arizona per Article 2, § 31 of the Arizona Constitution, which prohibits limitations on damages for personal injury or death.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice in Arizona?
Under Arizona law, an action for medical malpractice damages shall be filed within:
- 2 years from the date of the alleged injury, or
- 2 years from when the alleged injury is discovered.
Exceptions to the limitations include:
- Intentional concealment
- Proof of fraud
- Cases involving a plaintiff with a mental disability
- For minors, the two-year limit begins on their 18th birthday
Canceled or Non-Renewed?
MEDPLI Is Your Best Ally.
Arizona Physicians & Surgeons Partner with MEDPLI
We exclusively broker medical malpractice insurance, focusing daily on making the professional liability process less burdensome and expensive for doctors.
With MEDPLI, Arizona physicians:
Arizona Medical Malpractice Insurance FAQ
Arizona does not have a law that requires doctors to carry medical malpractice insurance. Even so, most physicians keep coverage in place because hospitals, surgery centers, and group practices generally require it for privileges or employment. Practicing without insurance means taking on the full financial risk of a lawsuit. We help Arizona physicians secure the right coverage so they can focus on practicing medicine with confidence.
A common choice in Arizona is a policy with limits of $1 million per claim and $3 million total per year. It is a standard level of protection that fits many specialties across the state. High-risk specialties may choose higher limits, while lower-risk practices often stay at $1M/$3M.
MEDPLI compares options from multiple A-rated carriers and helps you understand which limits make the most sense for your practice.
No. Arizona does not have caps on medical malpractice damages. The state constitution prohibits limits on what a jury can award in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Since there is no cap, choosing strong coverage and a stable medical malpractice carrier matters.
Get Your Quote for Medical Malpractice Insurance in Arizona
Whether you’re an orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix or an anesthesiologist in Tucson, MEDPLI will find you premier coverage at a competitive rate.
Call 800-969-1339 or Request a Quote.
GET QUOTE
Get a fast quote for medical malpractice insurance.
About the Author
Max Schloemann is a medical malpractice insurance broker helping physicians and surgeons secure Medical Professional Liability coverage. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Southern Illinois University’s College of Business, he was named Outstanding Management Senior.
Max began his career in 2008 at an industry-leading firm and founded MEDPLI in 2017 to guide private practice doctors and physicians in transition through the complexities of malpractice insurance.
Outside of work, Max, his wife Kristen (a Physician Assistant), and their four kids enjoy the outdoors and attending the kids’ sporting events. For malpractice insurance questions, you can contact Max here.
Latest from the Medical Malpractice Insurance Blog
See 2026 California medical malpractice insurance rates by specialty, carriers, payouts, and regulations. Get your custom MEDPLI quote today.
GUIDE: Overview of New York medical malpractice insurance rates by specialty, top carriers, payout statistics, and state regulations. Get a custom quote here.
Medical malpractice insurance specialist Max Schloemann recommends the top liability insurance companies for doctors in 2026. Learn how to compare carriers here.
Explore 2026 Illinois medical malpractice insurance costs, top A-rated insurers, payout trends & the latest state regulations. Get your free quote today.