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Top 5 Medical Malpractice Insurance Companies in Washington State
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 Washington physicians.
2026 Washington Medical Malpractice Insurance Rates by Specialty
2026 Washington Medical Malpractice Insurance Rates by Specialty
These rate estimates are for informational purposes only and are based on the WA 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 Washington
(2026 data, $1M/$3M coverage)
| Specialty | 2026 Annual Premium |
2026 Tail Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiology | $18,360 | $36,720 |
| Cardiovascular Disease– Minor Surgery | $20,400 | $40,800 |
| Dermatology– No Surgery | $9,180 | $18,360 |
| Emergency Medicine | $29,580 | $59,160 |
| Family Practice– No Surgery | $14,280 | $28,560 |
| Gastroenterology– No Surgery | $16,320 | $32,640 |
| 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 | $18,360 | $36,720 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology– Major Surgery | $63,240 | $126,480 |
| Occupational Medicine | $7,140 | $14,280 |
| Ophthalmology– No Surgery | $8,160 | $16,320 |
| Orthopedic Surgery– No Spine | $36,720 | $73,440 |
| Pathology– No Surgery | $11,220 | $22,440 |
| Pediatrics– No Surgery | $13,260 | $26,520 |
| Pulmonary Disease– No Surgery | $18,360 | $36,720 |
| Psychiatry | $7,140 | $14,280 |
| Radiology – Diagnostic | $19,380 | $38,760 |
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 Washington From 2015-2024
In 2024, Washington physicians were held liable for 192 medical malpractice payouts.
- Average Payout: $633,916
- Total Payout: $121,712,000
(Source: National Practitioner Data Bank)
Professional Liability Insurance Options for Physicians in Washington State
Physicians in Washington 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 need to 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 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 for the entire policy term.
- Physicians do not need tail coverage when an occurrence policy ends.
What Are the Washington State Medical Malpractice Caps on Lawsuits?
The Washington Supreme Court ruled damage caps unconstitutional in 1989, so medical malpractice lawsuits in Washington are not subject to economic or non-economic damage caps.
However, the state follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means that a plaintiff’s compensation can be reduced by the percentage of fault that caused the adverse event. For example, if a plaintiff is found to be 15% at fault, he/she will receive only 85% of the damages.
What Is the Washington Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice?
According to Revised Code of Washington 4.16.350, an action for damages shall be filed within whichever period expires later:
- 3 years from the date of the alleged harm or
- 1 year from when the alleged harm was discovered
No actions can commence more than 8 years after an act of harm unless there is proof of fraud, intentional concealment, or the presence of a foreign object.
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Washington Medical Malpractice Insurance FAQ
Washington does not require physicians to carry medical malpractice insurance by statute. However, most hospitals, health systems, and employer contracts require coverage to maintain privileges or employment. Even for independent physicians, carrying malpractice insurance is considered essential protection given the potential cost of claims and legal defense.
Most medical malpractice insurance policies in Washington are written on a claims-made basis, meaning the policy must be active when the claim is filed for coverage to apply. If a physician retires, changes carriers, or leaves a practice, tail coverage is often needed to maintain protection for past services.
There is no universal limit required by Washington law, but common coverage limits include $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate. Your ideal limits may depend on hospital requirements, employer contracts, or the nature of your practice.
MEDPLI helps physicians evaluate coverage limits based on real-world risk, practice setting, and contractual obligations, so coverage fits their needs without unnecessary cost.
Get Your Quote for Medical Malpractice Insurance in Washington
Whether you’re an Oncologist in Seattle or a Pediatrician in Chelan, 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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