Why Orthopedic Surgeons Pay More for Malpractice Insurance
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.
At MEDPLI, we shop A-rated carriers on your behalf to find tailored coverage at a competitive price. Get your quick quote here.
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
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Why Do Orthopedic Surgeons Need Strong Malpractice Insurance?
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:
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.
With rising premiums and payouts, MEDPLI is your best ally.
Don’t settle for inadequate coverage or unfair rates.
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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
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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With rising premiums and complex coverage requirements, choosing the right insurance partner matters more than ever. To speak with an experienced malpractice insurance broker, email info@medpli.com or call our Illinois office at 800-969-1339.
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