Illinois physicians 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 Malpractice Insurance Companies in Illinois
- Illinois’s Medical Malpractice Insurance Costs By Specialty in 2026
- Average Medical Malpractice Payouts in Illinois From 2015-2024
- Types of Professional Liability Insurance for Illinois Physicians
- Does Illinois Have a Cap on Medical Malpractice?
- Illinois Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims
- Illinois Doctors & Surgeons Partner with MEDPLI
- Illinois Medical Malpractice Insurance FAQ
- Get Your Quote for Medical Malpractice Insurance in Illinois
Illinois’s Medical Malpractice Insurance Costs By Specialty in 2026
Illinois’s Medical Malpractice Insurance Costs By Specialty in 2026
These rate estimates are for informational purposes only and are based on the IL standard limits of $1,000,000 per claim/$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 Annual Premiums for Illinois
Medical Malpractice Insurance by Specialty
(2026 data, $1M/$3M coverage)
| Specialty | 2026 Annual Premium |
2026 Tail Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiology | $28,560 | $57,120 |
| Cardiovascular Disease– Minor Surgery | $33,660 | $67,320 |
| Dermatology– No Surgery | $14,280 | $28,560 |
| Emergency Medicine | $38,760 | $77,520 |
| Family Practice– No Surgery | $18,360 | $36,720 |
| Gastroenterology– No Surgery | $25,500 | $51,000 |
| General Practice– No Surgery | $18,360 | $36,720 |
| General Surgery | $66,300 | $132,600 |
| Internal Medicine– No Surgery | $22,440 | $44,880 |
| Neurology– No Surgery | $26,520 | $53,040 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology– Major Surgery | $85,680 | $171,360 |
| Occupational Medicine | $12,240 | $24,480 |
| Ophthalmology– No Surgery | $14,280 | $28,560 |
| Orthopedic Surgery– No Spine | $51,000 | $102,000 |
| Pathology– No Surgery | $14,280 | $28,560 |
| Pediatrics– No Surgery | $17,340 | $34,680 |
| Pulmonary Disease– No Surgery | $28,560 | $57,120 |
| Psychiatry | $14,280 | $28,560 |
| Radiology – Diagnostic | $29,580 | $59,160 |
*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 Illinois From 2015-2024
In 2024, Illinois physicians were held liable for 486 medical malpractice payouts.
- Average Payout: $673,767
- Total Payout: $327,450,900
(Source: National Practitioner Data Bank)
Types of Professional Liability Insurance for Illinois Physicians
Physicians in Illinois 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.
Does Illinois Have a Cap on Medical Malpractice?
Illinois does not enforce economic or non-economic damage caps for medical malpractice actions. In 2010, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that medical malpractice damage caps were unconstitutional, as legislative limitations on damages would violate the separation of powers clause of the Illinois Constitution. Today, juries retain the power to determine appropriate damage payouts.
Since a 2023 amendment to the Wrongful Death Act, punitive damages are permitted in wrongful death cases, though not for medical malpractice cases.
Illinois Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims
According to ILCS 5/13-212, an action for medical malpractice or wrongful death damages shall be filed within:
- 2 years from when the alleged harm was known or should have been known
- No more than 4 years from the date of alleged harm
Illinois law extends the statute of limitations for minors for up to 8 years after the injury occurs or until the minor’s 22nd birthday.
Canceled or Non-Renewed? MEDPLI Is Your Best Ally.
Illinois Doctors & 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, Illinois physicians:
Illinois Medical Malpractice Insurance FAQ
The top medical malpractice insurance carriers in Illinois are ISMIE, The Doctors Company, MedPro Group, ProAssurance, and Coverys. Each holds an AM Best rating of A or higher, indicating strong financial stability and a long history of protecting physicians.
MEDPLI works directly with these A-rated insurers to help doctors compare quotes and secure the best possible coverage.
Costs vary significantly by specialty. For example, Dermatology (no surgery) averages $14,000, General Surgery around $65,000, and OB/GYN with major surgery can reach $84,000 annually. These estimates reflect standard $1M/$3M limits. Tail coverage typically costs about 200% of the annual premium.
For precise rates, a custom application and underwriter approval are required.
No. Illinois does not enforce economic or non-economic damage caps. The state Supreme Court ruled such caps unconstitutional in 2010, leaving juries responsible for determining compensation.
Though punitive damages are allowed in certain wrongful death cases (post-2023 amendment), they do not apply to medical malpractice cases.
Get Your Quote for Medical Malpractice Insurance in Illinois
We are Illinois’s trusted medical malpractice insurance brokers. Whether you’re a neurosurgeon in Chicago or a cardiologist in Peoria, 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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