In Need of Medical Malpractice Insurance in Alabama?
If you are a physician needing medical malpractice coverage in Alabama, MEDPLI will work for you as your only trusted broker.
Use the information in this 2024 Buying Guide to get ready to discuss your medical malpractice insurance needs with a MEDPLI broker. Get a quote.
Alabama Medical Professional Liability Insurance Market Summary
Physicians in Alabama have many options for obtaining medical malpractice insurance, but we recommend carriers rated “A” by A.M. Best because of their long-term financial solvency and a history of providing robust financial and legal support for Alabama physicians.
Some of the top-rated medical malpractice insurance companies serving Alabama physicians include:
Save time and effort by getting a wide range carrier quotes through MEDPLI as your single point of contact. You can get a quote through us today.
Malpractice Insurance Rates for Alabama Doctors
This information includes general estimated premiums which can vary greatly based on many factors, such as practice location, medical/surgical specialty, and past claims history. Talk to a MEDPLI broker to get quotes tailored to your unique coverage needs.
| Specialty | Approximate Claims Made Rate | Approximate Tail Rate | Approximate Occurrence Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiology | $12,000 | $8,000 | $18,000 |
| Cardiovascular Disease Minor Surgery | $11,000 | $10,000 | $12,000 |
| Emergency Medicine | $19,000 | $16,000 | $22,000 |
| Family Practice No Surgery | $8,000 | $6,000 | $9,000 |
| Gastroenterology No Surgery | $9,000 | $8,000 | $11,000 |
| General Surgery | $26,000 | $16,000 | $31,000 |
| Internal Medicine No Surgery | $8,000 | $7,000 | $9,000 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology Major Surgery | $39,000 | $31,000 | $42,000 |
| Occupational Medicine | $6,000 | $5,000 | $7,000 |
| Ophthalmology No Surgery | $5,000 | $4,000 | $7,000 |
| Orthopedic Surgery No Spine | $23,000 | $16,000 | $27,000 |
| Pathology No Surgery | $7,000 | $4,000 | $8,000 |
| Pediatrics No Surgery | $8,000 | $6,000 | $7,000 |
| Psychiatry | $6,000 | $4,000 | $34,000 |
| Radiology – Diagnostic | 9,000 | 7,000 | 11,000 |
*Using the AL standard limits of $1,000,000 Each Claim / $3,000,000 Aggregate per year in coverage
Malpractice insurance rates for physicians in Alabama are considered some of the lowest across the country. However, physicians in higher-risk specialties may need more coverage. MEDPLI specializes in medical malpractice insurance and tail insurance coverage for Alabama physicians, so don’t hesitate to reach out for a personalized quote. Get a quote.
Types of Professional Liability Insurance for Alabama Physicians
Here is a brief overview of the most common types of medical malpractice insurance for physicians in Alabama:
1. Claims Made Insurance
Claims-made malpractice insurance provides coverage if the policy is in effect both when the incident took place AND when the claim is filed. If a claim is filed after the end of the policy date, the claim is NOT covered. With a claims-made policy, you need tail malpractice insurance, which is a separately purchased insurance policy or endorsement, to make sure you have full protection. Learn more about claims-made insurance here.
2. Occurrence Insurance
Occurrence malpractice insurance provides coverage for incidents that occurred during the policy year, regardless of when a claim is reported to the carrier. Occurrence policies are more costly at the start of the policy, but the rate stays the same for the length of the policy, and there is no need for tail coverage when the policy ends. Read more about occurrence insurance.
3. Tail Insurance
Since most malpractice insurance policies are underwritten on a claims-made basis, you will be exposed to a lawsuit if a former patient files a claim against you and you do not secure tail coverage. When preparing to leave your employer, you should seek tail coverage options with an independent broker like MEDPLI.Tail insurance covers you for a specific time period. The new employer’s policy won’t cover you for prior acts of a former practice, hence tail coverage is needed. Read more about tail malpractice insurance for physicians.
Reach out to an experienced MEDPLI broker who will work for you to find a tail policy at a great price.
Telemedicine in Alabama
Alabama has outlined its telemedicine policies in a Provider Manual available to physicians who want to provide telehealth services. Alabama physicians must adhere to these key regulations to practice telemedicine:
- Be fully licensed to practice in Alabama.
- Have a “special purpose license” to practice telemedicine outside of Alabama or a license issued by the Interstate Medical Licensing Compact.
- Administer the services by way of interactive audio or video telecommunications which allows two-way communication between the physician at the distant site and the patient at the origination site. Telephone conversations, or exchanging emails or faxes, do not qualify as telehealth services.
- Have at least one face-to-face visit with the patient to establish a doctor/patient relationship.
- Provide all patient consultation, evaluation, and treatment services that are within the physician’s scope of medical practice.
Doctors who take care of patients via telehealth are subject to the same liabilities as with in-person treatment. Reach out to a MEDPLI broker to ensure your existing medical malpractice policy extends coverage to perform telehealth services in Alabama.
Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims
The statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Alabama can be complex and can vary from case to case. Consulting with MEDPLI brokers who understand the ins and outs of this system is an important part of protecting your medical practice with strong medical malpractice insurance coverage.
Medical Malpractice Insurance Outcomes in Alabama
The total malpractice payout in Alabama was $38,860,000 as of 12/31/2023. (Source: National Practitioner Data Bank)
Closing Remarks
Alabama ranks among the best U.S. states in which to practice medicine, according to Medscape’s Best & Worst States to Practice 2023 report. Physicians are attracted to the state because of high salaries and low cost of living, as well as a wealth of opportunities to practice in both thriving cities and underserved rural communities.
Note, however, that with no damage caps in the state, Alabama physicians still need robust medical malpractice coverage to protect against high financial loss in case of a liability lawsuit. MEDPLI helps doctors from all specialties. Whether you are a neurosurgeon in Montgomery, a cardiologist in Birmingham, or a radiologist in Mobile, a MEDPLI broker can help you find the right medical malpractice insurance at a competitive rate. To get coverage from an A-rated carrier, contact us by requesting a quote.
