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Oklahoma 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
What is the Cost of Medical Liability and Malpractice Insurance in Oklahoma?
What is the Cost of Medical Liability
and Malpractice Insurance in
Connecticut?
These rate estimates are for informational purposes only and are based on the Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma
(2026 data, $1M/$3M coverage)
| Specialty | 2026 Annual Premium |
2026 Tail Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiology | $21,420 | $42,840 |
| Cardiovascular Disease– Minor Surgery | $18,360 | $36,720 |
| Dermatology– No Surgery | $9,180 | $18,360 |
| Emergency Medicine | $28,560 | $57,120 |
| Family Practice– No Surgery | $14,280 | $28,560 |
| Gastroenterology– No Surgery | $18,360 | $36,720 |
| General Practice– No Surgery | $14,280 | $28,560 |
| General Surgery | $48,960 | $97,920 |
| Internal Medicine– No Surgery | $14,280 | $28,560 |
| Neurology– No Surgery | $16,320 | $32,640 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology– Major Surgery | $78,540 | $157,080 |
| Occupational Medicine | $9,180 | $18,360 |
| Ophthalmology– No Surgery | $9,180 | $18,360 |
| Orthopedic Surgery– No Spine | $45,900 | $91,800 |
| Pathology– No Surgery | $10,200 | $20,400 |
| Pediatrics– No Surgery | $14,280 | $28,560 |
| Pulmonary Disease– No Surgery | $18,360 | $36,720 |
| Psychiatry | $7,140 | $14,280 |
| Radiology – Diagnostic | $22,440 | $44,880 |
Average Medical Malpractice Payouts
in Connecticut From 2019-2025
in Connecticut From 2019-2025
Average Medical Malpractice Payouts in Oklahoma from 2019-2025
In 2025, Oklahoma physicians were held liable for 126 medical malpractice payouts.
- Average Payout: $454,265
- Total Payout: $57,237,500
(Source: National Practitioner Data Bank)
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 higher premiums at the start of the policy, but the rate remains constant throughout the policy’s duration.
- Physicians do not need tail coverage when an occurrence policy ends.
What Is the Oklahoma Cap on Medical Malpractice Lawsuits?
Oklahoma previously imposed a $350,000 cap on noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, but the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that cap unconstitutional in 2019.
However, Oklahoma enacted new tort reform legislation in 2025 that reinstated limits on noneconomic damages.
As of 2026, noneconomic damages in most bodily injury and medical malpractice cases are generally capped at $500,000, with higher limits or exceptions available in certain cases involving severe permanent injuries, gross negligence, fraud, or intentional misconduct. Economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, remain uncapped.
What Is the Oklahoma Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations?
As of 2025, the general guidelines are that patients must file a medical malpractice claim within 2 years of the alleged negligent act.
- If the injury was not immediately apparent, the two-year period begins from the date the injury was discovered.
- For patients under 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 as 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.
Canceled or Non-Renewed?
MEDPLI Is Your Best Ally.
Oklahoma 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, Oklahoma physicians:
Oklahoma Medical Malpractice Insurance FAQ
Oklahoma Medical Malpractice Insurance FAQ
Tail coverage is not required by Oklahoma law, but it is often needed when leaving a claims-made policy. It helps protect against claims filed after a policy ends for incidents that occurred while coverage was active. MEDPLI helps physicians navigate tail coverage decisions during career transitions.
Yes. Physicians can switch malpractice insurance carriers to improve pricing, coverage, or service. Depending on the policy, tail coverage or prior acts coverage may be needed to avoid gaps in protection.
Get Your Quote for Medical Malpractice Insurance in Oklahoma
Whether you’re an OB/GYN 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.
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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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