Occurrence vs. Claims-Made Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners: Which One Should You Choose?

As a nurse practitioner (NP), choosing the right malpractice insurance policy can feel overwhelming. One of the most critical decisions you’ll face is whether to choose an occurrence policy or a claims-made policy. This blog will break down the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of each—helping you confidently choose the right protection for your career.

For a full overview of NP liability insurance, visit our Nurse Practitioner Insurance Guide.

What Is Malpractice Insurance for NPs?

Malpractice insurance (also called professional liability insurance) protects nurse practitioners from claims of negligence, misdiagnosis, medication errors, or improper treatment.

But not all policies are the same. The two main types are:

• Occurrence

• Claims-Made

Each responds differently to when a claim is filed and when the incident occurred. Understanding these differences is critical for avoiding costly coverage gaps.

Occurrence vs Claims-Made Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners

What Is an Occurrence Policy?

An occurrence policy protects you regardless of when a claim is filed, as long as the incident occurred while the policy was active.

Example: If an incident happens in 2022 while your occurrence policy is active, and the patient files a claim in 2025, you’re still covered—even if you no longer have the policy.

Pros:

• Built-in long-term protection

• No need to purchase tail coverage

• Ideal for career flexibility

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost

• Not always offered by employers

What Is a Claims-Made Policy?

A claims-made policy only covers you if the claim is made while the policy is active.

Example: If an incident happens in 2022 but the claim is made in 2025 and your policy ended in 2023, you won’t be covered unless you purchased tail coverage.

Pros:

• Lower initial premium

• Common among employer-provided plans

Cons:

• Requires tail coverage when policy ends

• More complex to manage during job changes

Cost Comparison of Occurrence vs Claims-Made Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners

Policy Type	Avg. First-Year Premium	Long-Term Cost	Tail Coverage Needed?
Occurrence	$800 - $1,200	Higher	No
Claims-Made	$500 - $900	Lower initially	Yes (150%–250% of annual premium)

Disclaimer: These sample rates are for educational purposes only. All malpractice policies are individually underwritten, and actual premiums will vary based on specialty, location, and provider history.

For more pricing detail, check out our blog on How Much Nurse Practitioner Insurance Really Costs.

When Should NPs Choose Occurrence Policies?

• You’re self-employed or starting a private practice

• You want long-term simplicity with no tail coverage worries

• You expect to change jobs or move states frequently

When Should NPs Choose Claims-Made Policies?

• Your employer provides it (common in hospitals and clinics)

• You want to minimize upfront cost

• You understand tail coverage and plan to manage it

Real-World NP Scenario

Rachel, an NP in New York, accepted a position at a busy dermatology clinic. Her employer offered claims-made coverage. When she left to start a telehealth business, she didn’t purchase tail coverage. Months later, a former patient filed a lawsuit—and Rachel had to pay $22,000 in legal fees out-of-pocket.

Lesson: Understanding policy type and planning for tail coverage is critical if you carry a claims-made policy.

How to Get the Right Policy for Your NP Career

CarePro Insurance makes it easy to compare policy types and get covered fast. We work with A-rated carriers offering:

• Occurrence and claims-made options

• Tailored policies for every NP specialty

• Entry-level and multi-state coverage

Get peace of mind and the right protection—quote your NP malpractice policy here.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between occurrence vs. claims-made malpractice insurance for nurse practitioners comes down to your budget, employer arrangement, and long-term career goals. Whichever you choose, make sure you understand what’s covered—and what’s not.

Want expert guidance? Visit our Nurse Practitioner Insurance Hub or get an instant quote now.