Why Malpractice Insurance Is Essential for U.S. Physicians
Being a doctor in the United States comes with incredible responsibility—and equally significant legal risk. One miscommunication, a missed diagnosis, or even an unfounded patient complaint can result in a costly malpractice lawsuit.
That’s why AMA Insurance for Medical Malpractice Coverage exists: to help physicians practice confidently, knowing they’re financially and legally protected.
What Is AMA Insurance?
AMA Insurance is a service provided by AMA Insurance Agency, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Medical Association (AMA). It offers specialized insurance solutions for physicians, including medical malpractice coverage, tailored to their specialty, location, and career stage.
With AMA’s decades of advocacy and experience, their malpractice insurance products are trusted by thousands of doctors across the U.S.
What Does Medical Malpractice Insurance Cover?
AMA’s malpractice insurance covers a wide range of risks and liabilities:
| Coverage Type | What’s Protected |
|---|---|
| Legal Defense Costs | Attorney fees, court filings, expert witness testimony |
| Settlements & Judgments | Payouts to plaintiffs (if found liable) |
| Errors & Omissions | Missed diagnosis, surgical mistakes, medication errors |
| Good Samaritan Acts | Coverage for emergency aid rendered outside your practice |
| Tail Coverage | Post-retirement or policy switch coverage for future claims |
| Reputation Protection | PR and crisis management support (optional in some states) |
AMA Insurance: Claims-Made vs Occurrence Policies
AMA offers both major types of malpractice insurance:
| Type | Description | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Claims-Made | Covers claims filed during the policy period | Lower initial cost |
| Occurrence | Covers incidents that occurred during coverage, even if filed later | Long-term peace of mind |
AMA advisors help you choose the best option based on your risk profile.
Why Choose AMA Insurance for Malpractice?
Here’s why AMA is a top choice among U.S. doctors:
- Physician-Focused: Built exclusively for medical professionals
- Legal Network: Access to top defense attorneys specializing in malpractice
- Flexible Options: Multiple limits, deductibles, and add-ons
- Specialty-Specific: Coverage tailored for over 30 medical specialties
- State-Specific Compliance: Coverage meets unique requirements in each U.S. state
- Multi-Physician Practice Options: Ideal for clinics and hospitals
How Much Does AMA Medical Malpractice Insurance Cost?
Premiums vary depending on:
- Specialty (e.g., OBGYNs pay more than dermatologists)
- Location (litigation-heavy states like NY, FL, CA = higher rates)
- Prior claims history
- Coverage limits ($1M/$3M is common)
- Type of policy (Occurrence > Claims-Made in cost)
2025 Average Annual Premium Estimates:
| Specialty | Average Range |
|---|---|
| Family Medicine | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| OBGYN | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| General Surgery | $12,000 – $25,000 |
| Psychiatry | $4,500 – $7,000 |
How to Apply for AMA Malpractice Coverage
- Visit: https://www.amainsure.com
- Click on “Medical Professional Liability”
- Provide Info: Location, license status, specialty
- Compare Policies: Choose limits, claims type, additional protection
- Get a Quote: Online or through AMA licensed advisors
- Start Coverage: Within 1–2 business days in most cases
Who Should Get AMA Malpractice Coverage?
This insurance is ideal for:
- Solo Practicing Physicians
- Group Practices and Clinics
- Telemedicine Providers
- Residents & Fellows
- Retiring Doctors needing tail coverage
- Multispecialty Groups
AMA also offers options for locum tenens, hospital-employed physicians, and concierge doctors.
AMA Malpractice Insurance Benefits at a Glance
| Feature | AMA Insurance | Other Providers |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty-Specific Coverage | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited |
| Legal Support Network | ✅ Nationwide expert defense | ❌ Often general counsel |
| Reputation Management | ✅ Optional PR support | ❌ Not offered |
| Risk Management Tools | ✅ Included (free webinars/tools) | ⚠️ Rare |
| Premium Flexibility | ✅ Annual/quarterly billing options | ⚠️ Fixed terms only |
Real Doctor Testimonial
“I’ve been practicing for 18 years and switched to AMA Insurance after a colleague’s recommendation. Their team walked me through coverage options, and I felt truly protected. When a patient filed a frivolous claim, AMA’s legal team handled everything.”
— Dr. Kimberly H., Pediatrician, Ohio
AMA Malpractice Insurance FAQs
Q1: Is AMA Insurance accepted by hospitals and employers?
A: Yes. Most hospitals and medical boards accept AMA coverage as compliant malpractice insurance.
Q2: Can I keep coverage after retirement?
A: Yes. AMA offers tail coverage, which continues to protect you after practice ends.
Q3: Do they offer group discounts?
A: Yes. Practices insuring multiple doctors can receive bulk pricing or policy bundling.
Add-On Coverage Available
- Cyber Liability: Patient data protection
- Business Owner’s Policy: For practice locations
- Locum Tenens Support: Temporary work coverage
- Risk Management Webinars: Free with every policy
- Premium Discounts: For claims-free history or AMA membership
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Career with AMA Insurance
As a physician, your best intentions don’t always prevent legal challenges. One lawsuit can derail your career, finances, and peace of mind. That’s why more doctors across the U.S. trust AMA Insurance’s Medical Malpractice Coverage to keep their careers—and reputations—safe.
