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What is the Cost of Medical Liability and Malpractice Insurance in Tennessee?
What is the Cost of Medical Liability and Malpractice Insurance in Tennessee
These rate estimates are for informational purposes only and are based on the TN 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 Tennessee
(2026 data, $1M/$3M coverage)
| Specialty | 2026 Annual Premium |
2026 Tail Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiology | $21,420 | $42,840 |
| Cardiovascular Disease– Minor Surgery | $19,380 | $38,760 |
| Dermatology– No Surgery | $8,160 | $16,320 |
| Emergency Medicine | $32,640 | $65,280 |
| Family Practice– No Surgery | $11,220 | $22,440 |
| Gastroenterology– No Surgery | $15,300 | $30,600 |
| General Practice– No Surgery | $11,220 | $22,440 |
| General Surgery | $48,960 | $97,920 |
| Internal Medicine– No Surgery | $11,220 | $22,440 |
| Neurology– No Surgery | $12,240 | $24,480 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology– Major Surgery | $72,420 | $144,840 |
| Occupational Medicine | $7,140 | $14,280 |
| Ophthalmology– No Surgery | $8,160 | $16,320 |
| Orthopedic Surgery– No Spine | $44,880 | $89,760 |
| Pathology– No Surgery | $8,160 | $16,320 |
| Pediatrics– No Surgery | $11,220 | $22,440 |
| Pulmonary Disease– No Surgery | $18,360 | $36,720 |
| Psychiatry | $8,160 | $16,320 |
| Radiology – Diagnostic | $23,460 | $46,920 |
Have a question? Get fast answers from a U.S.-based MEDPLI agent. Call 1-800-969-1339 or email info@medpli.com.
Average Medical Malpractice Payouts in Tennessee From 2015-2024
In 2024, Tennessee physicians were held liable for 125 medical malpractice payouts.
- Average Payout: $285,832
- Total Payout: $35,729,000
(Source: National Practitioner Data Bank)
Types of Professional Liability Insurance for Tennessee Physicians
Physicians in Tennessee 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 must 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’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.
Rising Home Insurance Rates: The Hidden Impact on Medical Malpractice Costs
When tornadoes, flooding, or other severe storms hit Tennessee, the damage isn’t just physical or local—the financial repercussions impact insurance costs nationwide. To offset the growing risk of weather-related losses, insurers must increase premiums to maintain financial stability.
Why Are Insurance Rates Rising?
What Affects Medical Malpractice Insurance Costs in Tennessee
Reinsurance providers now demand higher premiums and stricter payout thresholds from primary insurance providers. As a result, insurers increase policyholder premiums across all sectors, including medical malpractice coverage for doctors and surgeons in Tennessee.
What Is the Tennessee Cap on Medical Malpractice Lawsuits?
As part of the Tennessee Civil Justice Act of 2011, noneconomic damages shall not exceed $750,000. However, this cap increases to $1,000,000 for catastrophic injuries or loss, which can include:
- Full or partial paralysis from a spinal cord injury
- Amputation of both hands, both feet, or one of each
- Third-degree burns on 40% or more of the body, or the face
- Wrongful death of a parent with a surviving, dependent minor child/children
Non-economic damage caps do not apply in the event of:
- Intentional harm
- Fraud, destruction, or concealment of evidence
- Intoxication or impairment from alcohol/drugs
- Felony conviction in connection to the injury
According to Tennessee Code § 29-39-104, punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant acted “maliciously, intentionally, fraudulently or recklessly.” Still, the amount shall not exceed $500,000 or 2x the total compensatory damages.
There is no limit on economic damages in Tennessee.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Tennessee for Medical Malpractice?
In Tennessee, health care liability actions must be filed within 1 year of the alleged harm or date of discovery, but no more than 3 years after the harmful act.
Exceptions include:
- Fraudulent concealment
- Foreign object(s) left in the plaintiff’s body
- Mental incapacity
- For minors, the 1-year statute of limitations does not begin until their 18th birthday.
Canceled or Non-Renewed? MEDPLI Is Your Best Ally.
Tennessee 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, Tennessee physicians:
Tennessee Medical Malpractice Insurance FAQ
Medical malpractice insurance in Tennessee is a form of professional liability insurance that protects healthcare providers if they are accused of causing patient harm through negligence, errors, or omissions in care. Coverage typically includes legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments related to malpractice claims.
MEDPLI works with Tennessee providers to structure coverage that fits both state requirements and individual risk profiles.
Tennessee does not universally require physicians to carry medical malpractice insurance, but hospitals, health systems, and employers often mandate it. However, carrying coverage is strongly recommended due to the high cost of defending malpractice claims.
The cost of medical malpractice insurance in Tennessee depends on factors such as specialty, claims history, location, policy limits, and whether coverage is claims-made or occurrence-based. High-risk specialties typically pay higher premiums.
We compare top-rated carriers to help Tennessee providers find competitive pricing without sacrificing coverage quality.
Get Your Quote for Medical Malpractice Insurance in Tennessee
Whether you’re an OB/GYN in Nashville or a MedSpa Owner in Chattanooga, MEDPLI will find you 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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