Top 5 Malpractice Insurance Carriers in California
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 California physicians.
2025 California Malpractice Insurance Rates by Specialty
These rate estimates are for informational purposes only and are based on the CA 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 | $23,000 | $46,000 |
| Dermatology– No Surgery | $9,000 | $18,000 |
| Emergency Medicine | $35,000 | $70,000 |
| Family Practice– No Surgery | $14,000 |
$28,000 |
| Gastroenterology– No Surgery | $17,000 | $34,000 |
| General Practice– No Surgery | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| General Surgery | $48,000 | $96,000 |
| Internal Medicine– No Surgery | $18,000 | $30,000 |
| Neurology– No Surgery | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology– Major Surgery | $67,000 | $134,000 |
| Occupational Medicine | $7,000 | $14,000 |
| Ophthalmology– No Surgery | $7,000 | $14,000 |
| Orthopedic Surgery– No Spine | $42,000 | $84,000 |
| Pathology– No Surgery | $9,000 | $18,000 |
| Pediatrics– No Surgery | $14,000 | $28,000 |
| Pulmonary Disease– No Surgery | $17,000 | $34,000 |
| Psychiatry | $7,000 | $14,000 |
| Radiology – Diagnostic | $18,000 | $36,000 |
Have a question? Get fast answers from a U.S.-based MEDPLI agent. Call 1-800-969-1339 or email info@medpli.com.
California Medical Malpractice Payouts From 2015-2023
Rising Home Insurance Rates: The Hidden Impact on Medical Malpractice Costs
When wildfires, hurricanes, and other severe weather events hit, the damage isn’t just physical—it drives up insurance costs nationwide. As extreme weather events become more frequent, insurers across the country must raise rates to cover growing risks. But the impact goes beyond homeowners insurance—businesses, especially medical professionals, also feel the squeeze.
Why Are Insurance Rates Rising?
How the Cost of California’s Medical Malpractice Insurance Is Affected
Nationwide, reinsurance providers now charge higher premiums and impose stricter payout conditions. In response, primary insurers, including those offering medical malpractice coverage, are increasing premiums.
California is an Exception
California remains an exception to the increased premiums trend, likely because California noneconomic damage caps have kept prices down and organizations like Consumer Watchdog have challenged proposed premium increases.
Could this Change?
California is not immune to the impacts of major weather events. With the number of insurers pulling out due to wildfire risk, homeowners insurance premiums continue to increase, leaving other insurance industries vulnerable to the impact.
Severe weather is reshaping insurance costs for everyone. California physicians could feel the impact in the near future.
How California Favors Physicians
Despite the uncertainty of future medical malpractice premiums, California remains a physician-friendly state due to its strong legal protections, competitive pay, and work-life balance.
Benefits for Physicians in California:
- Steady Malpractice Premiums
- High Average Salaries
- Strict damage caps & statutes of limitations
- Low rate of serious disciplinary actions
California’s legal landscape balances patient rights while maintaining a physician-friendly malpractice environment.
Types of Professional Liability Insurance for California Physicians
Physicians in California 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 2024, California physicians were held liable for 1,101 medical malpractice payouts.
- Average Payout: $351,674
- Total Payout: $387,193,800
(Source: National Practitioner Data Bank)
Does California Have Damage Caps for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits?
While California does not limit economic damages, non-economic damages are capped according to claim type.
As of January 2024, non-economic damages shall not exceed:
- $390,000 | Non-Fatal Claims
- $550,000 | Fatal Claims
Each year, these limits will increase by $40,000 and $50,000, respectively, until they reach $750,000 and $1,000,000.
California Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims
According to California CCP Section 340.5, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is the earlier of:
- 3 years from the date of the alleged injury, or
- 1 year from when the alleged injury is discovered.
Exceptions to the limitations include:
- Intentional concealment.
- Proof of fraud.
- The presence of a foreign object in the body of the plaintiff.
- Minors under age six can submit actions within three years of injury or until their eighth birthday, whichever is longer.
Why California 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, California physicians:
MEDPLI helps doctors in every specialty.
Whether you’re a Radiologist in San Diego or an OB/GYN in Sacramento, MEDPLI will find you premier coverage at a competitive rate. Call 800-969-1339 or Request a Quote.
