Q: Do physician assistants really need their own malpractice insurance if my employer has a policy?

A: Yes—your employer’s policy primarily protects the employer. A personal policy may follow you across roles and settings, can include license-defense and consent-to-settle features, and may respond if the employer’s limits are exhausted or if there’s a conflict of interest.

 

Q: What does PA malpractice insurance typically cover?

A: It generally covers allegations of professional negligence (errors/omissions in patient care), legal defense costs, and settlements/judgments up to your limits. Many policies may also include license-defense, HIPAA/privacy liability, and deposition expense coverage—review your specific terms.

 

Q: What limits do most PAs choose?

A: A common choice is $1,000,000 per claim / $3,000,000 aggregate. Some employers or contracts may require different limits; your needs may vary based on specialty, procedures, and patient volume.

 

Q: What’s the difference between claims-made and occurrence coverage?

A: Occurrence may cover incidents that happen during the policy term, even if the claim is filed later. Claims-made may cover claims reported while the policy is active (and after the retro date); if you cancel or switch, you may need tail or prior-acts coverage to maintain protection.

 

Q: Do I need tail coverage when I change jobs or switch policies?

A: If you have claims-made coverage and you’re moving to a new policy without prior-acts, yes—tail (extended reporting) may be needed to respond to future claims from past work. Occurrence policies generally don’t require tail for past incidents.

 

Q: Am I covered for telehealth or practicing across state lines?

A: Our policies allow telemedicine, but coverage may depend on licensing and state rules where the patient is located. Ensure your policy territory fits your practice and that you’re licensed/authorized for each location.

 

Q: Can I be covered for multiple employers, moonlighting, or 1099 work?

A: Often yes—policies may be written to cover you across roles, employers, and locations if they’re disclosed. Be sure to list all practice settings and procedures so underwriting can include them.

 

Q: Are aesthetics (e.g., Botox, fillers), IV hydration, or weight-management services covered?

A: They may be, if those procedures are within your scope, you’re properly credentialed/supervised per state rules, and the services are scheduled on your policy. Some policies exclude certain drugs or procedures—verify your endorsements before practicing.

 

Q: Does my policy include license-board defense if someone files a complaint?

A: Our PA policies include administrative/license-defense coverage, with a separate sublimit. Check your policy’s covered triggers, limits, and whether legal counsel is appointed or reimbursed.

 

Q: What about HIPAA/privacy breaches and cyber incidents?

A: Some malpractice policies include limited privacy/HIPAA coverage, but broader cyber liability (for data breach costs, ransomware, notification, and credit monitoring) often requires a separate cyber policy. Consider adding standalone cyber if you store or transmit PHI.

 

Q: I’m part-time—can I get a lower rate?

A: We do offer part-time or reduced-hours rating that may lower premiums. You’ll typically attest to approximate hours, and the carrier may audit or require updates if your schedule changes.

 

Q: I’m a new grad or student—what do I need?

A: New grads can often secure discounted first-year rates; students on clinical rotations may be covered by their program, but some seek their own coverage for added protection. Confirm your school/rotation requirements and any facility requests.

 

Q: Will my policy cover me for past work if I’m switching insurers?

A: Our policy can carry your retroactive date forward. Make sure to select claims-made coverage and then list the retroactive date in the quoting portal. If you are on occurrence form currently, this is not an issue. 

 

Q: How quickly can I get proof of insurance and COIs for credentialing?

A: After binding, you can usually download your certificate immediately and request additional insured certificates for facilities as needed. Turnaround is typically same-day once underwriting approves.

 

Q: Are general liability and professional liability the same thing?

A: No—professional liability addresses clinical negligence, while general liability may address slip-and-fall–type incidents and premises exposures. Many practices carry both; requirements may be set by landlords, hospitals, or contracts.