Orthopedic Surgery: A High-Risk Specialty with Rising Malpractice Costs
Orthopedic surgery is inherently high risk. The volume and complexity of procedures lead to one of the highest malpractice claim rates among all specialties. Large payouts, especially those involving professional athletes, have also driven malpractice premiums up for orthopedic surgeons.
Percent of orthopedic surgeons who have been sued at least once
*according to a 2023 American Medical Association report
Claims in career per 100 orthopedic surgeons
*according to a 2023 American Medical Association report
Total orthopedic surgeries/procedures performed in the US in 2022
*according to a 2023 Global Data report
Surgeries and procedures are by far the most common and most expensive types of claims
for orthopedic surgeons, with diagnosis-related claims a close second.
Source: MLMIC & MedPro Group Orthopedic Surgery Claims Data Snapshot
With rising premiums and payouts, MEDPLI is your best ally.
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Why Do Orthopedic Surgeons Need Strong Malpractice Insurance in 2026 and Beyond?
Orthopedic surgeons are frequently named in malpractice lawsuits; their high-risk procedures and complex care make strong malpractice coverage essential.
Key risk factors include:
The most common reasons orthopedic surgeons are sued include:
Why Do Orthopedic Surgeons Need Strong Malpractice Insurance in
2026 and Beyond?
Orthopedic surgeons are frequently named in malpractice lawsuits; their high-risk procedures and complex care make strong malpractice coverage essential.
Key risk factors include:
The most common reasons orthopedic surgeons are sued include:
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What Does Malpractice Insurance for Orthopedic Surgeons Cover?
Specialized malpractice policies help protect your personal and practice assets if a patient alleges injury related to your:
They also typically cover your legal defense costs, as well as settlements and judgments, up to the policy limits.
Average Malpractice Insurance Costs for Orthopedic Surgeons (Updated for 2026)
Premiums vary widely depending on location, specific application details, and the insurance carrier’s underwriting process, with most orthopedic surgeon malpractice insurance policies ranging from $30,000 to $60,000. (These estimates are for informational purposes only.)
Sample Malpractice Premiums for Orthopedic Surgeons by City
| City | State | Premium Estimate | Limits of Liability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | AL | $35,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Little Rock | AR | $35,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Phoenix | AZ | $45,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Los Angeles | CA | $35,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Denver | CO | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Bridgeport | CT | $45,000 | $1,000,000/$4,000,000 |
| Wilmington | DE | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Washington DC | DC | $75,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Miami | FL* | $70,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Miami | FL* | $55,000 | $250,000/$750,000 |
| Atlanta | GA | $45,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Honolulu | HI | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Des Moines | IA | $30,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Boise | ID | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Chicago | IL | $85,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Wichita | KS | $30,000 + KS HCSF | $200,000/$600,000 |
| Louisville | KY | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Indianapolis | IN | $30,000 + IN PCF | $250,000/$750,000 |
| New Orleans | LA | $30,000 + LA PCF | $100,000/$300,000 |
| Boston | MA | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Baltimore | MD | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Portland | ME | $35,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Detroit | MI | $60,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| St. Louis | MO | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Minneapolis | MN | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Jackson | MS | $55,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Billings | MT | $60,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Charlotte | NC | $35,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Fargo | ND | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Omaha | NE | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Manchester | NH | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Albuquerque | NM | $35,000 + NM PCF | $200,000/600,000 (Only Occurrence; no Claims-Made coverage) |
| Newark | NJ | $55,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Las Vegas | NV | $450,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Manhattan, NY | NY | $125,000 | $1,300,000/$3,900,000 |
| Columbus | OH | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Oklahoma City | OK | $45,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Portland | OR | $30,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Philadelphia | PA | $50,000 + MCARE | $500,000/$1,500,000 |
| Providence | RI | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Charleston | SC | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Sioux Falls | SD | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Nashville | TN | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Houston | TX* | $30,000 | $200,000/$600,000 |
| Houston | TX* | $45,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Salt Lake City | UT | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Burlington | VT | $30,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Seattle | WA | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Virginia Beach | VA | $40,000 | $2,450,000/$7,350,000 |
| Milwaukee | WI | $25,000 + PCF | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Charleston | WV | $60,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Column 1 Value 52 | Column 2 Value 52 | Column 3 Value 52 | Column 4 Value 52 |
*These states offer limit options
Note: These rates are approximate, and each individual has unique factors that can affect their premium.
An orthopedic surgeon’s malpractice insurance costs vary greatly based on:
Having an experienced medical malpractice broker on your side helps you work through these intricacies and secure customized coverage to fit your needs– without overpaying.
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What Our Clients Have to Say
“When I needed a new insurance policy for my orthopedic surgery practice in Austin, Texas, I contacted MEDPLI. Max and the rest of the team were helpful and knowledgeable. They responded to all of my questions quickly, but most importantly, they were honest and truly had their clients’ best interests in mind. If you’re looking for an experienced independent broker who can find you the most competitive price for malpractice insurance for your practice, I definitely recommend MEDPLI.”
“Extremely helpful and prompt. Very happy with the service I have been provided over the years. I tried other companies for a couple of years, but I will be sticking with MEDPLI from now on.”
“Max was very helpful and gave honest, friendly, and upfront estimates for my medical malpractice needs. Highly recommend!”
HEAR FROM ONE OF OUR ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON CLIENTS
“When I needed a new insurance policy, I contacted MEDPLI. Max and the rest of the team were helpful and knowledgeable.”
“When I needed a new insurance policy for my orthopedic surgery practice in Austin, Texas I contacted MEDPLI. Max and the rest of the team were helpful and knowledgeable. They responded to all of my questions quickly, but most importantly, they were honest and truly had their clients’ best interest in mind. If you’re looking for an experienced independent broker who can find you the most competitive price for malpractice insurance for your practice, I definitely recommend MEDPLI.”
Dr. Matthew Laughlin, Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Orthopedic Surgeon Liability & Malpractice Insurance FAQs
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