Question 1

Do physical therapists need malpractice insurance if they’re W-2 employees?

Accepted Answer

Often yes. An employer’s policy may exclude moonlighting, volunteer work, or tele-rehab. A personal policy follows you wherever you practice.

Question 2

What’s the difference between professional and general liability?

Accepted Answer

Professional liability addresses treatment errors; general liability covers non-treatment accidents such as slip-and-fall incidents.

Question 3

Is occurrence or claims-made coverage better for PTs?

Accepted Answer

Occurrence policies provide lifetime protection for incidents happening during the term—no tail needed. Claims-made can be cheaper up front but requires tail coverage if you switch insurers or retire.

Question 4

How much does PT malpractice insurance typically cost?

Accepted Answer

Solo PT premiums may range from about $185 in low-risk states to $325 in high-litigation venues for $1M/$3M occurrence limits.

Question 5

Does offering dry needling raise my premium?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes—5 to 20 percent depending on state scope rules. Always disclose dry needling so coverage isn’t restricted.

Question 6

Are physical therapist assistants covered under my policy?

Accepted Answer

An individual PT policy covers only your acts and omissions. PTAs need their own policy or must be scheduled on a group plan.

Question 7

Does workers’ compensation cover employee PTs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Workers’ comp provides statutory benefits for on-the-job injuries or illnesses and is separate from professional liability.

Question 8

Am I covered for tele-rehab or virtual PT sessions?

Accepted Answer

Most modern malpractice policies include telehealth as long as you are licensed in the patient’s location and tele-practice rules are followed.

Question 9

What policy limit should a PT carry?

Accepted Answer

$1 million per incident / $3 million aggregate is most common. Some networks require $2M / $4M; higher limits add about 10-15 percent in premium.

Question 10

Do I need tail coverage when I retire?

Accepted Answer

Only if you have a claims-made policy. Occurrence policies already include lifetime protection for covered incidents.

Question 11

Does my policy cover me in multiple clinics?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if each location is disclosed on the application. Coverage follows the therapist, provided services are within scope.

Question 12

Will malpractice insurance defend my license before the state board?

Accepted Answer

Most PT policies include separate license-defense limits that may pay legal fees for board investigations.

Question 13

What if I move to another state—does coverage transfer?

Accepted Answer

You can usually transfer a policy mid-term by updating your primary practice state. Premium adjusts to the new venue.

Question 14

Are student physical therapists covered?

Accepted Answer

Students need a dedicated student policy or must be named on the school’s blanket coverage. Practicing beyond student scope can void coverage.

Question 15

Does malpractice insurance cover expert-witness testimony?

Accepted Answer

Some carriers include limited coverage for professional testimony; others require an endorsement. Always disclose this activity.

Question 16

Am I liable for advice given in a free community workshop?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If someone claims injury from your advice, that is still a professional service and may trigger liability.

Question 17

Does my policy cover Pilates or yoga instruction?

Accepted Answer

Usually, if part of a rehab plan and within your license. Stand-alone fitness classes may require a fitness-professional endorsement.

Question 18

What’s the deductible on a typical PT malpractice policy?

Accepted Answer

Many allied-health policies have a $0 indemnity deductible, though some expenses may carry a small deductible. Always check declarations.

Question 19

Can I pay monthly instead of annually?

Accepted Answer

Some carriers offer installment plans or premium-finance options, but paying in full often earns a discount.

Question 20

How long does a claim stay on my record?

Accepted Answer

Insurers typically review your past five years of claim history when underwriting, though severe losses can affect pricing longer.

Question 21

Does malpractice insurance cover cyber breaches?

Accepted Answer

Professional liability does not. You need a cyber-liability endorsement or separate policy for data breaches.

Question 22

Is business personal property (equipment) covered?

Accepted Answer

Only if you add a property endorsement or purchase a Business Owner’s Policy. Malpractice is liability-only.

Question 23

Will malpractice insurance cover a HIPAA fine?

Accepted Answer

Fines and penalties are generally excluded; however, defense costs may be covered under a cyber policy.

Question 24

Does my state require PTs to carry malpractice insurance?

Accepted Answer

Few states mandate it, but many facilities, payers, or referral networks require proof of $1M / $3M coverage.

Question 25

I’m a traveling PT—am I covered in every state?

Accepted Answer

You must hold an active license or Compact privilege in each state where you practice and disclose multi-state work to underwriting.

Question 26

How do prior claims affect my premium?

Accepted Answer

One paid claim in the last five years can add 20-50 percent or trigger a surcharge. Open claims can limit carrier options.

Question 27

Are volunteers covered at charity events?

Accepted Answer

Yes—malpractice follows you as a licensed PT. Ensure event organizers carry general liability for premises exposures.

Question 28

Does malpractice insurance cover sexual misconduct allegations?

Accepted Answer

Policies exclude criminal acts, but many provide defense until an adverse finding. Maintain chaperone policies for sensitive exams.

Question 29

Can I backdate my policy?

Accepted Answer

Occurrence policies cannot be backdated. Claims-made policies can include prior-acts coverage if there has been continuous insurance.

Question 30

Will my premium drop if I go part-time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Practicing under 20 hours per week can earn a 35–40 percent discount with many carriers.

Question 31

What is consent-to-settle?

Accepted Answer

A clause giving you the right to approve or reject settlement offers. Look for pure consent language without a hammer clause.

Question 32

Does malpractice cover vocational or ergonomic consulting?

Accepted Answer

It can, but you must list those services on the application so coverage is endorsed properly.

Question 33

Are interns or residents under my supervision covered?

Accepted Answer

They need their own policies or must be endorsed onto the clinic’s policy. Supervisory liability is usually included for you.

Question 34

Will my policy pay for expert legal counsel?

Accepted Answer

Yes—defense costs are paid by the insurer and often outside the liability limit, so they don’t erode your coverage.

Question 35

How soon must I report an incident?

Accepted Answer

Immediately or as soon as practicable. Early reporting can qualify the claim for deductible waivers or risk-management credits.

Question 36

Do I need additional coverage for mobile PT (home visits)?

Accepted Answer

Most carriers include home-health visits if disclosed. Driving between patients requires proper auto insurance and possibly HNOA for employees.

Question 37

Does malpractice insurance cover me internationally?

Accepted Answer

Standard policies are U.S. only. You can purchase a short-term international endorsement or an expatriate policy.

Question 38

Are testimonials or social-media advice covered?

Accepted Answer

If advice is interpreted as professional guidance, it can trigger liability. Confirm media coverage or add a social-media endorsement.

Question 39

Can I add an additional insured to my policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes—most carriers issue no-cost additional-insured certificates upon request.

Question 40

How does blood-flow-restriction (BFR) training affect coverage?

Accepted Answer

Disclose BFR: some carriers treat it as a higher-risk modality and adjust premiums accordingly.

Question 41

Is pelvic-floor therapy covered?

Accepted Answer

Usually, provided you’re certified and it’s within state scope. Always note it on the application.

Question 42

Do I need separate liability for personal trainers on staff?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if they run independent sessions. They can be added to a group malpractice policy or purchase fitness-trainer coverage.

Question 43

What is shared limits vs. separate limits?

Accepted Answer

Shared limits mean all insureds draw from one pool (e.g., $1M / $3M). Separate limits give each clinician their own limits, costing more but offering more protection.

Question 44

How fast can I get a certificate of insurance (COI)?

Accepted Answer

With our online portal, a PDF COI is generated immediately after binding and emailed within minutes.

Question 45

Are modalities like laser therapy and ultrasound automatically covered?

Accepted Answer

Most allied-health policies include standard modalities, but always list every service to avoid a coverage dispute.

Question 46

What happens if I let my policy lapse?

Accepted Answer

Occurrence coverage survives lapses, but claims-made coverage ceases unless you buy tail coverage. A gap can also raise future premiums.

Question 47

Does malpractice insurance cover travel costs to court?

Accepted Answer

Some carriers reimburse travel and lost wages for required court appearances—check the supplemental-payments section.

Question 48

Are fines from regulatory bodies covered?

Accepted Answer

Fines and penalties are generally excluded, but defense costs may be covered under licensure defense up to a sub-limit.

Question 49

Can one policy cover both my clinic and my mobile PT van?

Accepted Answer

You’ll need a combination: malpractice for professional services, general liability for premises, commercial auto for the van, and inland-marine for equipment.

Question 50

How often should I review my coverage?

Accepted Answer

Annually at renewal and any time you add new services, locations, or staff.

The Ultimate Physical Therapy Insurance Guide (2025 Edition)

Table of Contents

1. Why Physical Therapists Need Insurance

2. Core Coverage Types for PTs

3. Cost Factors & Sample Premiums

4. Claims‑Made vs. Occurrence Explained

5. How to Buy PT Insurance in Under 5 Minutes

6. Risk‑Mitigation Best Practices for PTs

6.1 Clinical & Treatment Protocols

6.2 Facility & Equipment Safety

6.3 Documentation, Consent & HIPAA

6.4 Staff Training & Culture

6.5 Technology & Cyber Hygiene

6.6 Claims Response & Legal Preparedness

7. Top 50 Physical Therapy Insurance Questions Answered

8. Glossary of Key Insurance Terms

9. Next Steps & Resources

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