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What is the Cost of Medical Liability and Malpractice Insurance in California?
What is the Cost of Medical Liability and Malpractice Insurance in California?
These rate estimates are for informational purposes only and are based on the California standard limits of $1,000,000 per claim and $3,000,000 aggregate per year.
Quotes require a completed application and underwriter approval. Contact us for a custom estimate if you don’t see your specialty.
Average Cost of Medical Malpractice Insurance
by Specialty in California
(2026 data, $1M/$3M coverage)
| Specialty | 2026 Annual Premium |
2026 Tail Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiology | $18,360 | $36,720 |
| Cardiovascular Disease– Minor Surgery | $23,460 | $46,920 |
| Dermatology– No Surgery | $9,180 | $18,360 |
| Emergency Medicine | $35,700 | $71,400 |
| Family Practice– No Surgery | $14,280 | $28,560 |
| Gastroenterology– No Surgery | $17,340 | $34,680 |
| 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 | $15,300 | $30,600 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology– Major Surgery | $48,960 | $136,680 |
| Occupational Medicine | $7,140 | $14,280 |
| Ophthalmology– No Surgery | $7,140 | $14,280 |
| Orthopedic Surgery– No Spine | $42,840 | $85,680 |
| Pathology– No Surgery | $9,180 | $18,360 |
| Pediatrics– No Surgery | $14,280 | $28,560 |
| Pulmonary Disease– No Surgery | $17,340 | $34,680 |
| Psychiatry | $7,140 | $14,280 |
| Radiology – Diagnostic | $18,360 | $36,720 |
*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 California From 2015-2024
In 2024, California physicians were held liable for 1,101 medical malpractice payouts.
- Average Payout: $351,674
- Total Payout: $387,193,800
(Source: National Practitioner Data Bank)
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 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.
Rising Home Insurance Rates: The Hidden Impact on Medical Malpractice Costs
When wildfires, hurricanes, and other severe weather events hit, the damage isn’t just physical—it drives up insurance costs nationwide. As extreme weather events become more frequent, insurers across the country must raise rates to cover growing risks. But the impact goes beyond homeowners insurance—businesses, especially medical professionals, also feel the squeeze.
Why Are Insurance Rates Rising?
What Affects Medical Malpractice Insurance Costs in California?
Nationwide, reinsurance providers now charge higher premiums and impose stricter payout conditions. In response, primary insurers, including those offering medical malpractice coverage, are increasing premiums.
Why California Remains an Outlier in Malpractice Insurance Trends
California has been insulated from this trend. The state’s noneconomic damage caps have helped keep medical malpractice premiums relatively stable, and organizations like Consumer Watchdog have challenged proposed premium increases, putting additional pressure on insurers to justify rate hikes.
Could This Trend Change in California’s Medical Malpractice Market?
California is not immune to the impacts of major weather events. As more insurers pull out of high-risk areas due to wildfire exposure, homeowners insurance premiums continue to climb. This instability can eventually ripple into other insurance lines, including medical malpractice.
Severe weather is reshaping insurance costs for everyone. California physicians may feel more pronounced impacts in the near future as market conditions continue to shift.
How California’s Medical Malpractice Rules Support Physicians
Despite the uncertainty of future medical malpractice premiums, California remains a physician-friendly state due to its strong legal protections, competitive pay, and work-life balance.
Advantages for Physicians in California
- Steady Malpractice Premiums
- High Average Salaries
- Strict damage caps & statutes of limitations
- Low rate of serious disciplinary actions
California’s legal landscape balances patient rights with a physician-friendly malpractice environment, making it an attractive state for both new and established doctors.
What Is the California Cap on 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.
What Is the California Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice?
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.
Canceled or Non-Renewed?
MEDPLI Is Your Best Ally.
California 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, California physicians:
California Medical Malpractice Insurance FAQ
California doesn’t have a universal law requiring all physicians to carry medical malpractice insurance. However, most hospitals, medical groups, and surgery centers require proof of coverage, making malpractice insurance essential protection, even when the state doesn’t mandate it.
While California doesn’t set a single statewide minimum for malpractice coverage, there are common standards. Most employers and facilities expect physicians to carry $1,000,000/$3,000,000 limits, secure tail coverage for claims-made policies (often around 200% of the annual premium), and choose A-rated carriers for financial strength.
MEDPLI helps California physicians meet these expectations with appropriate limits, policy types, and carriers for their specialty and career stage.
MEDPLI’s list of top medical malpractice insurance companies in California is:
- The Doctors Company
- MedPro Group
- Lone Star Alliance RRG
- Admiral Insurance Co
- Coverys
These carriers hold an AM Best rating of “A” or higher, indicating strong financial stability and a proven history of protecting California physicians.
We work with these and other top-rated insurers to compare quotes side by side and help you secure premier coverage at a competitive rate.
Get Your Quote for Medical Malpractice Insurance in California
We are California’s dedicated medical malpractice insurance brokers. 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.
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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.
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