Best Liability Insurance for Nurses

As a nurse, you work hard every day to provide care to patients. However, despite your best efforts, accidents and mistakes can happen. That’s why liability insurance is important for nurses. It provides protection in case a patient or their family decides to sue you for damages. In this article, we’ll explore the best liability insurance options for nurses.

What is Liability Insurance for Nurses?

Liability insurance, also known as malpractice insurance, provides coverage in case a nurse is sued for damages. This can include claims of medical malpractice, negligence, or even emotional distress. Liability insurance covers legal defense costs, settlements or judgments, and other related expenses.

While many nurses are covered under their employer’s liability insurance policy, it’s important to have your own policy as well. This is because employer policies may not cover all situations or may have limits on coverage amounts. Having your own policy ensures that you have adequate coverage in case of a lawsuit.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Liability Insurance

When choosing liability insurance, there are several factors to consider. These include:

Factor
Considerations
Coverage Limits
Make sure the policy covers the maximum amount of damages you could be sued for
Premiums
Compare prices and make sure the premium is affordable and fits within your budget
Type of Coverage
Consider if you need individual or group coverage, occurrence coverage or claims-made coverage
Policy Exclusions
Check the policy exclusions to make sure you’re covered for all situations

Top Liability Insurance Options for Nurses

1. Nurses Service Organization (NSO)

NSO is a popular choice for liability insurance among nurses. Their policy covers up to $1 million per occurrence and $6 million in aggregate per policy period. They offer both occurrence and claims-made coverage options, as well as individual and group policies.

Their policy also covers defense of license protection proceedings, HIPAA and HITECH proceedings, and more. In addition, NSO offers risk management resources and a hotline for legal counsel.

2. Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO)

HPSO is another popular option for nurse liability insurance. Their policy covers up to $1 million per occurrence and $6 million in aggregate per policy period. They offer both occurrence and claims-made coverage, as well as individual and group policies.

In addition to liability insurance, HPSO offers risk management resources, legal defense coverage for license protection proceedings, and more. They also offer a discount for members of professional nursing associations.

3. CM&F Group

CM&F Group is a well-known provider of liability insurance for healthcare professionals, including nurses. They offer policies with coverage limits up to $2 million per occurrence and $6 million in aggregate. They provide both occurrence and claims-made coverage options.

CM&F Group also offers a wide range of additional coverages, including cyber liability insurance, employment practices liability insurance, and more. They have a user-friendly online application process and offer policyholders access to online risk management resources.

FAQs

1. How much does liability insurance for nurses cost?

The cost of liability insurance for nurses varies depending on factors such as coverage limits, type of policy, and location. On average, liability insurance for nurses can range from $100 to $500 per year.

2. Is liability insurance required for nurses?

Liability insurance is not required for nurses, but it is strongly recommended. It provides protection in case of a lawsuit and ensures that you have adequate coverage if you’re sued for damages.

3. Can I be sued for malpractice as a nurse?

Yes, nurses can be sued for malpractice if they make a mistake that results in harm to a patient. This can include medication errors, failing to properly monitor a patient, or other types of negligence.

4. Are nurses covered under their employer’s liability insurance?

Many nurses are covered under their employer’s liability insurance policy, but it’s important to have your own policy as well. Employer policies may not cover all situations or may have limits on coverage amounts.

5. How do I choose the right liability insurance policy?

When choosing a liability insurance policy, consider factors such as coverage limits, premiums, type of coverage, and policy exclusions. Compare options from multiple providers and choose a policy that fits your needs and budget.

Conclusion

Liability insurance is an important part of protecting yourself as a nurse. By choosing the right policy, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case of a lawsuit. Consider the factors discussed in this article and compare options from top providers like NSO, HPSO, and CM&F Group to find the best liability insurance for your needs.