Occurrence vs. Claims-Made for Florida Nurse Practitioners: Tail Coverage, Proof, and What Actually Matters
- Jeff Schmidt
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
If you’re a Florida NP/APRN trying to pick between occurrence and claims-made malpractice insurance, you’re not alone. Credentialing teams toss around terms like tail and retro date right when you’re trying to start seeing patients. This guide keeps it simple—and helps you stay compliant in Florida, especially if you practice autonomously.
Quick definitions (so we’re on the same page)
Occurrence: Covers incidents that happen during the policy term—no tail needed. If a claim is filed years later for something that occurred while your policy was active, you’re still covered.
Claims-made: Covers claims first made while the policy is active. If you cancel or move employers, you usually need tail coverage to protect against late-filed claims. Your retroactive date (the earliest date your prior acts are covered) matters a lot.
Which is better for Florida NPs?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Think through these levers:
Cash flow vs. simplicity: Claims-made often starts cheaper in years 1–2, then steps up; occurrence is simpler (no tail), but the sticker price can be higher.
Job changes: If you expect moves (new clinic, telehealth start-up, 1099 side gigs), an occurrence policy’s built-in “tail” can be less paperwork later.
Contract language: Some facilities specify claims-made with tail or explicitly accept occurrence. Always check the credentialing packet or agreement.
Florida wrinkle: autonomous practice & proof
If you’re an APRN registered for autonomous practice, Florida requires financial responsibility—either malpractice at least $100,000/$300,000 or an irrevocable letter of credit for the same amounts. Not autonomous? The statute doesn’t mandate those limits, but most employers still expect proof of coverage.
What to keep on file (and ready to email):
Your Declarations Page (shows limits, dates, occurrence vs. claims-made).
If claims-made: your retro date and any plan for tail when you exit a role.
If autonomous and using an LOC: the LOC documentation that meets Florida’s requirements.
Common Florida NP scenarios (and the smart move)
“I’m switching employers.”
Occurrence: Send your new dec page—done.
Claims-made: Confirm if your old employer provides tail. If not, price your own tail quote (carriers often price tails as a multiple of the expiring premium).
“I’m opening an independent practice.”
Bind a policy before your first patient. If claims-made, consider whether a future tail will be required by your landlord, hospital privileges, or payer contracts.
“I moonlight in urgent care on weekends.”
Verify your policy may cover multiple settings and your true scope (procedures, supervision, telehealth). If your employer’s policy is primary only for employed shifts, a personal NP policy may close the gap.
“I’m adding telehealth across state lines.”
Confirm licensing and territory. Many NP policies may cover multi-state practice, but you’ll want written confirmation of states and services.
What limits do Florida facilities usually want?
We typically see $1,000,000 per claim / $3,000,000 aggregate across hospitals, staffing groups, and payers. Some clinics accept lower minimums; others require tail on claims-made. Always pull the exact line from the credentialing packet.
Pros and cons—at a glance
Occurrence (pros):
No tail to purchase later.
Easy to explain to credentialing.
Portable across job changes.
Occurrence (cons):
Higher premium vs. first-year claims-made.
Claims-Made (pros):
Lower initial premium.
Widely accepted by facilities.
Claims-Made (cons):
Tail exposure/cost at exit.
Must track your retro date carefully.
Our practical take
If you like administrative simplicity or anticipate moves, occurrence is the stress-free path. If you’re cost-sensitive today and expect to stay put a while (or your employer handles tail), claims-made can be fine—just plan for tail later.
When you’re ready, compare options and bind online in minutes:
Disclaimer: Sample guidance only—coverage, availability, and pricing are always underwritten and may vary by carrier and risk factors.
