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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We connect physicians with top A-rated malpractice carriers, helping them save an average of 20% on premiums.
Arkansas 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 Arkansas
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 Arkansas physicians.
What is the Cost of Medical Liability and Malpractice Insurance in Arkansas?
What is the Cost of Medical Liability and Malpractice Insurance in Arkansas?
These rate estimates are for informational purposes only and are based on the Arkansas 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 Arkansas
(2026 data, $1M/$3M coverage)
| Specialty | 2026 Annual Premium |
2026 Tail Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiology | $15,300 | $30,600 |
| Cardiovascular Disease– Minor Surgery | $15,300 | $30,600 |
| Dermatology– No Surgery | $7,140 | $14,280 |
| Emergency Medicine | $20,400 | $40,800 |
| Family Practice– No Surgery | $9,180 | $18,360 |
| Gastroenterology– No Surgery | $11,220 | $22,440 |
| General Practice– No Surgery | $9,180 | $18,360 |
| General Surgery | $34,680 | $69,360 |
| Internal Medicine– No Surgery | $10,200 | $20,400 |
| Neurology– No Surgery | $10,200 | $20,400 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology– Major Surgery | $61,200 | $122,400 |
| Occupational Medicine | $7,140 | $14,280 |
| Ophthalmology– No Surgery | $7,140 | $14,280 |
| Orthopedic Surgery– No Spine | $30,600 | $61,200 |
| Pathology– No Surgery | $7,140 | $14,280 |
| Pediatrics– No Surgery | $9,180 | $18,360 |
| Pulmonary Disease– No Surgery | $12,240 | $24,480 |
| Psychiatry | $7,140 | $14,280 |
| Radiology – Diagnostic | $15,300 | $30,600 |
*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 Arkansas From 2015-2024
In 2024, Arkansass physicians were held liable for 59 medical malpractice payouts.
- Average Payout: $448,983
- Total Payout: $26,490,000
(Source: National Practitioner Data Bank)
Medical Professional Liability Insurance Options for Arkansas Physicians
Physicians in Arkansas 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.
What Is the Arkansas Medical Malpractice Cap on Lawsuits?
Because the Arkansas Constitution prohibits limits on personal injury damages, medical malpractice lawsuits in Arkansas are not subject to non-economic or economic damage caps.
Except in cases of intentional harm, punitive damages are capped at $250,000 or at three times the amount of compensatory damages, whichever is greater, up to $1,000,000.
Arkansas recognizes the doctrine of modified comparative fault, allowing the court to reduce damages in proportion to the plaintiff’s percentage of blame. For example, if a plaintiff is found 30% at fault, he/she receives only 70% of the total damages.
What Is the Arkansas Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations?
According to the Arkansas State Code, an action for medical malpractice damages must be filed within:
- Two years from the date of the alleged injury, or
- Two years from the date of discovery IF a foreign object was left within the plaintiff’s body.
Exceptions for Minors:
- If the plaintiff is under 9 years old at the time of injury, a medical malpractice claim can be filed until their eleventh birthday or two years from the date of injury, whichever is later.
- If the minor’s injury was undiscoverable by age 11, the two-year limit extends until the injury is discovered or until their nineteenth birthday, whichever is earlier.
Canceled or Non-Renewed?
MEDPLI Is Your Best Ally.
Arkansas 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, Arkansas physicians:
Arkansas Medical Malpractice Insurance FAQ
Overall, Arkansas tends to fall in the middle nationally in terms of malpractice premiums. Physicians in lower-risk specialties often see relatively manageable rates, while surgical specialties and OB/GYN still carry significantly higher premiums due to claim severity.
What many doctors don’t realize is that pricing can vary widely between carriers operating in Arkansas. Two insurers may evaluate the same physician differently, which is why MEDPLI compares quotes across multiple A-rated carriers on behalf of Arkansas physicians. This allows them to see all their options and avoid overpaying at renewal.
Many physicians only think about insurance at renewal, but reviewing coverage anytime you experience a career change is smart. That includes:
Even small changes can affect risk classification or pricing. Periodic reviews help confirm your coverage still matches how you’re actually practicing.
Most carriers now include telemedicine coverage, but it depends on how and where you’re practicing. If you’re treating patients across state lines or expanding virtual services, your insurer may need additional information.
Physicians offering telehealth often review their policies annually to confirm coverage keeps pace with how medicine is actually being delivered today.
Get Your Quote for Medical Malpractice Insurance in Arkansas
Whether you’re an Orthopedic Surgeon in Fort Smith or a Cardiologist in Conway, 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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