Top 5 Malpractice Insurance Carriers in Washington
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 Washington physicians.
2025 Washington Malpractice Insurance Rates by Specialty
These rate estimates are for informational purposes only and are based on the WA 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 | $20,000 | $40,000 |
| Dermatology– No Surgery | $9,000 | $18,000 |
| Emergency Medicine | $29,000 | $58,000 |
| Family Practice– No Surgery | $14,000 | $28,000 |
| Gastroenterology– No Surgery | $16,000 |
$32,000 |
| General Practice– No Surgery | $14,000 | $28,000 |
| General Surgery | $48,000 | $96,000 |
| Internal Medicine– No Surgery | $14,000 | $28,000 |
| Neurology– No Surgery | $18,000 | $36,000 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology– Major Surgery | $62,000 | $124,000 |
| Occupational Medicine | $7,000 | $14,000 |
| Ophthalmology– No Surgery | $8,000 | $16,000 |
| Orthopedic Surgery– No Spine | $36,000 | $72,000 |
| Pathology– No Surgery | $11,000 | $22,000 |
| Pediatrics– No Surgery | $13,000 | $26,000 |
| Pulmonary Disease– No Surgery | $18,000 | $36,000 |
| Psychiatry | $7,000 | $14,000 |
| Radiology – Diagnostic | $19,000 | $38,000 |
Have a question? Get fast answers from a U.S.-based MEDPLI agent. Call 1-800-969-1339 or email info@medpli.com.
Washington Medical Malpractice Payouts From 2015-2023
Types of Professional Liability Insurance for Washington Physicians
Physicians in Washington 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, Washington physicians were held liable for 98 medical malpractice payouts.
- Average Payout: $655,880
- Total Payout: $64,276,250
(Source: National Practitioner Data Bank)
Does Washington Have Damage Caps for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits?
The Washington Supreme Court ruled damage caps unconstitutional in 1989, so medical malpractice lawsuits in Washington are not subject to economic or non-economic damage caps.
However, the state follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means that a plaintiff’s compensation can be reduced by the percentage of fault that caused the adverse event. For example, if a plaintiff is found to be responsible for 15% of the fault, he/she will only receive 85% of the damages amount.
Washington Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims
According to Revised Code of Washington 4.16.350, an action for damages shall be filed within whichever period expires later:
- 3 years from the date of alleged harm or
- 1 year from when the alleged harm was discovered
No actions can commence more than 8 years after an act of harm unless there is proof of fraud, intentional concealment, or the presence of a foreign object.
Why Washington 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, Washington physicians:
MEDPLI helps doctors in every specialty.
Whether you’re an Oncologist in Seattle or a Pediatrician in Chelan, MEDPLI will find you premier coverage at a competitive rate.
Call 800-969-1339 or Request a Quote.
