Top 5 Malpractice Insurance Carriers in California
We recommend carriers with an AM Best “A” or higher rating. An A-rating indicates financial strength, long-term solvency, and an established history of protecting California physicians.
2025 California Malpractice Insurance Rates by Specialty
These rate estimates are for informational purposes only and are based on the CA standard limits of $1,000,000 for Each Claim / $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.
| Specialty | 2025 Annual Premium |
2025 Tail Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiology | $18,000 | $36,000 |
| Cardiovascular Disease– Minor Surgery | $23,000 | $46,000 |
| Dermatology– No Surgery | $9,000 | $18,000 |
| Emergency Medicine | $35,000 | $70,000 |
| Family Practice– No Surgery | $14,000 |
$28,000 |
| Gastroenterology– No Surgery | $17,000 | $34,000 |
| General Practice– No Surgery | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| General Surgery | $48,000 | $96,000 |
| Internal Medicine– No Surgery | $18,000 | $30,000 |
| Neurology– No Surgery | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology– Major Surgery | $67,000 | $134,000 |
| Occupational Medicine | $7,000 | $14,000 |
| Ophthalmology– No Surgery | $7,000 | $14,000 |
| Orthopedic Surgery– No Spine | $42,000 | $84,000 |
| Pathology– No Surgery | $9,000 | $18,000 |
| Pediatrics– No Surgery | $14,000 | $28,000 |
| Pulmonary Disease– No Surgery | $17,000 | $34,000 |
| Psychiatry | $7,000 | $14,000 |
| Radiology – Diagnostic | $18,000 | $36,000 |
Have a question? Get fast answers from a U.S.-based MEDPLI agent. Call 1-800-969-1339 or email info@medpli.com.
California Medical Malpractice Payouts From 2015-2023
Types of Professional Liability Insurance for California Physicians
Physicians in California 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 more costly premiums at the start of the policy, but the rate stays constant for the entire policy length.
- Physicians do not need tail coverage when an occurrence policy ends.
In 2023, California physicians were held liable for 659 medical malpractice payouts.
- Average Payout: $403,710
- Total Payout: $266,045,450
(Source: National Practitioner Data Bank)
Does California Have Damage Caps for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits?
While California does not limit economic damages, non-economic damages are capped according to claim type.
As of January 2024, non-economic damages shall not exceed:
- $390,000 | Non-Fatal Claims
- $550,000 | Fatal Claims
Each year, these limits will increase by $40,000 and $50,000, respectively, until they reach $750,000 and $1,000,000.
California Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims
According to California CCP Section 340.5, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is the earlier of:
- 3 years from the date of the alleged injury, or
- 1 year from when the alleged injury is discovered.
Exceptions to the limitations include:
- Intentional concealment.
- Proof of fraud.
- The presence of a foreign object in the body of the plaintiff.
- Minors under age six can submit actions within three years of injury or until their eighth birthday, whichever is longer.
Why California Doctors 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, California physicians:
MEDPLI helps doctors in every specialty.
Whether you’re a Radiologist in San Diego or an OB/GYN in Sacramento, MEDPLI will find you premier coverage at a competitive rate. Call 800-969-1339 or Request a Quote.
