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Top 5 Medical Malpractice Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts physicians.
What is the Cost of Medical Liability and Malpractice Insurance in Massachusetts?
What is the Cost of Medical Liability and Malpractice Insurance in Massachusetts?
These rate estimates are for informational purposes only and are based on the MA 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 Massachusetts
(2026 data, $1M/$3M coverage)
| Specialty | 2026 Annual Premium |
2026 Tail Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiology | $20,400 | $40,800 |
| Cardiovascular Disease– Minor Surgery | $20,400 | $40,800 |
| Dermatology– No Surgery | $7,140 | $14,280 |
| Emergency Medicine | $29,580 | $59,160 |
| Family Practice– No Surgery | $14,280 | $28,560 |
| Gastroenterology– No Surgery | $16,320 | $32,640 |
| General Practice– No Surgery | $14,280 | $28,560 |
| General Surgery | $42,840 | $85,680 |
| Internal Medicine– No Surgery | $14,280 | $28,560 |
| Neurology– No Surgery | $17,340 | $34,680 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology– Major Surgery | $76,500 | $153,000 |
| Occupational Medicine | $7,140 | $14,280 |
| Ophthalmology– No Surgery | $8,160 | $16,320 |
| Orthopedic Surgery– No Spine | $39,780 | $79,560 |
| Pathology– No Surgery | $11,220 | $22,440 |
| Pediatrics– No Surgery | $10,200 | $20,400 |
| Pulmonary Disease– No Surgery | $17,340 | $34,680 |
| Psychiatry | $8,160 | $16,320 |
| Radiology – Diagnostic | $17,340 | $34,680 |
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 Massachusetts From 2015-2024
In 2024, Massachusetts physicians were held liable for 273 medical malpractice payouts.
- Average Payout: $656,809
- Total Payout: $179,309,000
(Source: National Practitioner Data Bank)
Massachusetts Professional Liability Insurance Options for Physicians
Physicians in Massachusetts 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 must 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’s 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 throughout the policy’s duration.
- Physicians do not need tail coverage when an occurrence policy ends.
What Is the Cap on Lawsuits in Massachusetts for Medical Malpractice Insurance?
While Massachusetts does not cap economic damages, medical malpractice cases are subject to a non-economic damage cap of $500,000 unless the case involves permanent loss of bodily function, disfigurement, or special circumstances as determined by the court.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice in Massachusetts?
According to Massachusetts General Law, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is three years from the date of injury, wrongful death, or the date of discovery of the injury.
Statute of Limitations Exceptions:
- Medical malpractice claims cannot be filed more than 7 years after the injury unless the cause of harm is leaving a foreign object inside the plaintiff’s body.
- For minors younger than age 6, the limitations are extended until age 9.
Canceled or Non-Renewed?
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Massachusetts Medical Malpractice Insurance FAQ
Massachusetts does not have a statewide law that forces every physician to carry malpractice insurance. In reality, most doctors still have it because hospitals, surgical centers, and group practices require proof of coverage for admitting privileges or employment. Without a policy, a physician is personally responsible for legal defense and any settlement, which can be financially significant.
MEDPLI helps Massachusetts doctors find the coverage required for privileges and peace of mind.
A common limit for Massachusetts physicians is $1 million per claim and $3 million per year. That level of protection is widely accepted across the state and works for many specialties. Higher-risk fields may adopt stricter limits based on their exposure, while lower-risk practices often remain at the $1M/$3M level.
At MEDPLI, we compare multiple A-rated carriers and help you choose limits that match your specialty and risk profile.
Massachusetts does not cap overall medical malpractice damages. However, in most cases, there is a limit on noneconomic damages set at $500,000. The cap can be exceeded if the patient has a permanent loss of bodily function or substantial disfigurement. Economic damages, like medical costs and lost income, are not capped.
Get Your Quote for Medical Malpractice Insurance in Massachusetts
Whether you’re a General Surgeon in Boston or a Pediatrician out on the Cape, MEDPLI will provide you with 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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