Top 5 Malpractice Insurance Carriers in Illinois
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 Illinois physicians.
2025 Illinois Malpractice Insurance Rates by Specialty
These rate estimates are for informational purposes only and are based on the IL 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 | $28,000 | $56,000 |
| Cardiovascular Disease – Minor Surgery | $33,000 | $66,000 |
| Dermatology – No Surgery | $14,000 | $28,000 |
| Emergency Medicine | $38,000 | $76,000 |
| Family Practice – No Surgery | $18,000 | $36,000 |
| Gastroenterology – No Surgery | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| General Practice – No Surgery | $18,000 | $36,000 |
| General Surgery | $65,000 | $130,000 |
| Internal Medicine – No Surgery | $22,000 | $44,000 |
| Neurology – No Surgery | $26,000 | $52,000 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology – Major Surgery | $84,000 | $168,000 |
| Occupational Medicine | $12,000 | $24,000 |
| Ophthalmology – No Surgery | $14,000 | $28,000 |
| Orthopedic Surgery – No Spine | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Pathology – No Surgery | $14,000 | $28,000 |
| Pediatrics – No Surgery | $17,000 | $34,000 |
| Pulmonary Disease – No Surgery | $28,000 | $56,000 |
| Psychiatry | $14,000 | $28,000 |
| Radiology – Diagnostic | $29,000 | $58,000 |
Have a question? Get fast answers from a U.S.-based MEDPLI agent. Call 1-800-969-1339 or email info@medpli.com.
Illinois Medical Malpractice Payouts From 2015-2023
What Are the Types of Professional Liability Insurance for Illinois Physicians?
What Are the 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 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 2023, Illinois physicians were held liable for 325 medical malpractice payouts.
- Average Payout: $698,320
- Total Payout: $226,954,250
(Source: National Practitioner Data Bank)
Does Illinois Have Damage Caps for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits?
Illinois does not enforce economic or non-economic damage caps for medical malpractice actions. In 2010, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled medical malpractice damage caps unconstitutional, as a legislative limitation 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.
What are the 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.
Illinois 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, Illinois physicians:
MEDPLI Helps Illinois Doctors in Every Specialty.
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.
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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