Over 30% of U.S. physicians have faced a malpractice claim at some point in their careers, underscoring the importance of robust, reliable coverage. MEDPLI stands as an advocate for doctors, never settling for less than the medical malpractice trifecta:
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South Carolina doctors face increasing liability risks and rising insurance costs in 2026. Use this resource to compare carriers, understand your risk, and secure the right protection for your practice.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Medical Malpractice Insurance Companies in South Carolina
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 South Carolina physicians.
What is the Cost of Medical Liability and Malpractice Insurance in South Carolina?
What is the Cost of Medical Liability
and Malpractice Insurance in
Connecticut?
These rate estimates are for informational purposes only and are based on the South Carolina 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 South Carolina
(2026 data, $1M/3M coverage)
| Specialty | 2026 Annual Premium |
2026 Tail Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiology | $21,420 | $42,840 |
| Cardiovascular Disease– Minor Surgery | $19,380 | $38,760 |
| Dermatology– No Surgery | $8,160 | $16,320 |
| Emergency Medicine | $32,640 | $65,280 |
| Family Practice– No Surgery | $11,220 | $22,440 |
| Gastroenterology– No Surgery | $15,300 | $30,600 |
| General Practice– No Surgery | $11,220 | $22,440 |
| General Surgery | $48,960 | $97,920 |
| Internal Medicine– No Surgery | $11,220 | $22,440 |
| Neurology– No Surgery | $12,240 | $24,480 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology– Major Surgery | $72,420 | $144,840 |
| Occupational Medicine | $7,140 | $14,280 |
| Ophthalmology– No Surgery | $8,160 | $16,320 |
| Orthopedic Surgery– No Spine | $44,880 | $89,760 |
| Pathology– No Surgery | $8,160 | $16,320 |
| Pediatrics– No Surgery | $11,220 | $22,440 |
| Pulmonary Disease– No Surgery | $18,360 | $36,720 |
| Psychiatry | $8,160 | $16,320 |
| Radiology – Diagnostic | $23,460 | $46,920 |
Average Medical Malpractice Payouts
in Connecticut From 2019-2025
in Connecticut From 2019-2025
Average Medical Malpractice Payouts in South Carolina From 2019-2025
In 2025, South Carolina physicians were held liable for 126 medical malpractice payouts.
- Average Payout: $503,304
- Total Payout: $76,502,250
(Source: National Practitioner Data Bank)
Professional Liability Insurance Options for South Carolina Physicians
Physicians in South Carolina 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 South Carolina Medical Malpractice Cap on Lawsuits?
Although economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages are not capped, the South Carolina Noneconomic Damage Awards Act of 2005 established a $350,000 cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. Subject to an annual inflation adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index, this limit increases every year.
2026 Non-economic damage caps (per claimant):
- Single Defendant: $596,001
- Total for Multiple Defendants: $1,788,002
Non-economic damages may include the plaintiff’s loss associated with:
- Pain & Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Depression & Anxiety
In the event of “wilful, wanton, or reckless conduct”, medical malpractice punitive damages may not exceed the greater of $500,000 or 3x the compensatory damages, unless any of the following circumstances apply:
- Intent to harm
- Guilty plea/felony conviction in connection with the injury
- Influence or impairment of alcohol/drugs
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice In South Carolina?
According to South Carolina Code § 15-3-545, an action to recover damages for a medical malpractice injury must occur within:
- 3 years from the date of treatment or wrongful death
- 3 years from the date of discovery, if less than 6 years from the date of treatment
When a foreign object is left in the body, the 6-year statute of repose does not apply, and the plaintiff may file a medical malpractice claim within 2 years of the date of discovery.
Minors’ claims must be filed within 7 years of the date of injury or until their 19th birthday.
Canceled or Non-Renewed?
MEDPLI Is Your Best Ally.
South Carolina 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, South Carolina physicians:
South Carolina Medical Malpractice Insurance FAQ
South Carolina Medical Malpractice Insurance FAQ
South Carolina does not mandate medical malpractice insurance for physicians by state law. However, many hospitals and healthcare systems, including major organizations throughout Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, require physicians and advanced practice providers to maintain coverage as a condition of employment or medical staff privileges.
MEDPLI can help South Carolina providers secure policies that satisfy hospital credentialing requirements.
Many South Carolina healthcare providers carry limits of $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate, though specialists with greater liability exposure may choose higher limits.
Coverage needs may also vary depending on whether you practice independently, belong to a physician group, or work for a hospital system.
Both policy types offer valuable protection, but they work differently.
- Claims-made policies provide coverage when the claim is filed and may require tail coverage when changing jobs or retiring.
- Occurrence policies cover incidents that occur during the policy period, even if a claim is filed years later.
The right choice depends on your career plans, practice structure, and budget. We help South Carolina healthcare providers understand the pros and cons of each option.
Get Your Quote for Medical Malpractice Insurance in South Carolina
Whether you’re a neurosurgeon in Charleston or a radiologist in Greenville, MEDPLI will provide you with premier coverage at a competitive rate.
Get covered today—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. Contact Max for malpractice insurance questions.
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