Best Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners in California: What to Look For in 2025
- Jeff Schmidt
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
So you're an NP in California. Maybe you're stepping into independent practice under AB 890, or maybe you've been fielding more complex patient cases lately. Either way, there's a good chance malpractice insurance is on your radar — and for good reason.
I remember a colleague from my NP training days who got hit with a licensing complaint over something as small as a delayed lab order. She had coverage. It saved her career.
If you’re a nurse practitioner working in California in 2025, let’s walk through how to find the right malpractice insurance — without getting buried in jargon or overpriced policies.
Why Malpractice Insurance Matters More in California
California is one of the few states where nurse practitioners can practice independently, thanks to AB 890. That’s huge — but it also means you’re on the hook if anything goes sideways.
Some key facts:
You’re not legally required to carry insurance, but…
Most employers, med spas, and collaborating physicians do require it
Your state board (BRN) can investigate your license even if no lawsuit is filed
Without personal coverage, you may have no legal defense or license protection
And malpractice lawsuits? They're not ten a penny, but when they happen, they hit hard.
What is the Best Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners in California?
It’s not about picking the most expensive policy — it’s about finding one that fits the unique way you practice. Here's what to prioritize:
1. Claims-Made vs. Occurrence Policies
Claims-Made: Cheaper up front, but you’ll need tail coverage if you cancel
Occurrence: Slightly pricier, but covers you for any event that happens while it was active — even years later
2. License Protection
A patient complaint can land you in front of the Board of Registered Nursing. Some policies include $25,000–$50,000 in legal defense just for board investigations.
3. Telemedicine and Aesthetics Coverage
California NPs often offer telehealth or even IV hydration and injectables. Make sure your carrier includes those in writing — don’t assume.
4. Flexible Limits
Look for a $1M/$3M standard, but some NPs may need higher. We’ve seen med spa contracts in LA require up to $2M/$5M.
How Much Does NP Malpractice Insurance Cost in California?
For most California-based NPs in 2025, here’s what you can expect:
$800–$1,600 per year
Psych, aesthetics, or independent practice? You’ll be on the higher end
Working part-time under supervision? You’ll save a bit
(Note: These are sample rates. Each quote is underwritten individually.)
The Best Insurance Providers for California NPs
Not all policies are built the same — and not all carriers specialize in NPs.
At CarePro, we partner with top-tier carriers who offer:
Instant online quotes
Telemedicine & aesthetics coverage
License defense included
No fluff, no hidden fees
👉 Explore our full Nurse Practitioner Insurance Guide
Final Thoughts
Malpractice insurance isn’t just a checkbox — it’s peace of mind. Whether you’re opening your own practice in Oakland or moonlighting at a med spa in Newport Beach, the best policy is the one that’s tailored to you.
Got questions? We’ve helped hundreds of California NPs secure coverage that protects both their license and their livelihood.
👉 Quote your coverage now — it takes two minutes and costs nothing to see your options.
