Top 7 Malpractice Insurance Carriers in Oklahoma
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 Oklahoma physicians.
2025 Oklahoma Malpractice Insurance Rates by Specialty
These rate estimates are for informational purposes only and are based on the OK 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 Approximate Annual Premium |
2025 Approximate Tail Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiology | $21,000 | $42,000 |
| Cardiovascular Disease– Minor Surgery | $18,000 | $36,000 |
| Dermatology– No Surgery | $9,000 | $18,000 |
| Emergency Medicine | $28,000 | $56,000 |
| Family Practice– No Surgery | $14,000 | $28,000 |
| Gastroenterology– No Surgery | $18,000 | $36,000 |
| General Practice– No Surgery | $14,000 | $20,000 |
| General Surgery | $48,000 | $96,000 |
| Internal Medicine– No Surgery | $14,000 | $28,000 |
| Neurology– No Surgery | $16,000 | $32,000 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology– Major Surgery | $77,000 | $154,000 |
| Occupational Medicine | $9,000 | $18,000 |
| Ophthalmology– No Surgery | $9,000 | $18,000 |
| Orthopedic Surgery– No Spine | $45,000 | $90,000 |
| Pathology– No Surgery | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Pediatrics– No Surgery | $14,000 | $28,000 |
| Pulmonary Disease– No Surgery | $18,000 | $36,000 |
| Psychiatry | $7,000 | $14,000 |
| Radiology – Diagnostic | $22,000 | $44,000 |
Oklahoma Medical Malpractice Payouts From 2015-2023
Types of Professional Liability Insurance for Oklahoma Physicians
Types of Professional Liability Insurance for Oklahoma Physicians
Oklahoma physicians typically have two main options for medical malpractice insurance: claims-made and occurrence policies. Understanding the differences between these coverage types is essential for making an informed decision that protects your career and finances.
- 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 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 more costly premiums at the start of the policy, but the rate stays constant throughout the policy’s duration.
- Physicians do not need tail coverage when an occurrence policy ends.
In 2023, Oklahoma physicians were held liable for 82 medical malpractice payouts.
- Average Payout: $415,060
- Total Payout: $34,035,000
(Source: National Practitioner Data Bank)
Tort Reform: Does Oklahoma Have Damage Caps for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits?
In 2011, Oklahoma enacted a law imposing a $350,000 cap on noneconomic damages — such as pain and suffering — in medical malpractice cases. However, in 2019, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled this cap unconstitutional, stating it violated the state’s constitution by creating a special law that treated plaintiffs differently based on injury severity.
Therefore, as of 2025, Oklahoma does not cap economic or noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases.
Oklahoma Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims
As of 2025, the general guidelines are that patients must file a medical malpractice claim within 2 years of the alleged negligent act. However, there are exceptions:
Exceptions:
- If the injury was not immediately apparent, the two-year period begins from the date the injury was discovered.
- For patients under the age of 18, the statute of limitations may be extended.
- If a healthcare provider intentionally conceals the malpractice, the statute of limitations may be tolled until the patient discovers the wrongdoing.
- If a patient is deemed mentally incapacitated at the time of the alleged malpractice, the statute of limitations may be prolonged until the individual regains capacity.
- If the patient continues to receive treatment from the healthcare provider for the same condition related to the alleged malpractice, the statute of limitations may be extended until the treatment concludes.
Keeping patients and healthcare providers informed of these exceptions is critical to protecting legal rights and filing timely claims.
Why Oklahoma 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, Oklahoma physicians:
MEDPLI helps doctors in every specialty.
Whether you’re a podiatrist in Norman or an orthopedic surgeon in Tulsa, MEDPLI will provide you with premier coverage at a competitive rate. Call 800-969-1339 or Request a Quote.
