Best Malpractice Insurance Options for Anaesthesiology Practice Owners
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Jan 20
- 2 min read
Choosing the right malpractice coverage is one of the most important decisions an anaesthesiology practice owner can make. Because anaesthesiology is a high‑risk speciality, not all malpractice policies offer the same level of protection. Understanding the best malpractice insurance options for anaesthesiology practice owners helps ensure your practice, providers, and personal assets are fully protected.
1. Occurrence vs. Claims‑Made Coverage
One of the first choices practice owners must make is policy structure.
Occurrence policies provide coverage for incidents that happen during the policy period, regardless of when a claim is filed. These policies tend to cost more upfront but eliminate the need for tail coverage.
Claims‑made policies cover claims only if the policy is active when the claim is filed. They usually offer lower initial premiums but require tail coverage when a provider leaves a practice or retires.
2. Individual Coverage for Practice Owners
Many anaesthesiology practice owners maintain individual malpractice insurance even when covered by a group policy. Individual coverage ensures personal protection if you:
Change practices
Work at multiple facilities
Supervise CRNAs or AAs
Perform higher‑risk procedures
This option provides flexibility and portability throughout your career.
3. Group Malpractice Insurance for Multi‑Provider Practices
Group malpractice insurance is commonly used by anaesthesia groups covering:
Multiple anaesthesiologists
Hospital‑based teams
Ambulatory surgery centre providers
Group policies can be cost‑effective and simplify administration, though practice owners should ensure coverage limits are sufficient and not overly shared between providers.
4. Tail Coverage and Extended Reporting Options
Tail coverage is critical for anaesthesiology practices using claims‑made policies. Owners should ensure employment agreements specify who pays for tail coverage and whether coverage applies at retirement, termination, or sale of the practice.
5. Practice‑Specific Risk Customisation
The best malpractice insurance options adjust for:
Sub-Specialities (cardiac, pediatric, OBGYN, neuro)
Case volume and acuity
Supervision requirements
Facility mix
Generic malpractice policies often fail to account for these nuances.
Work With a Specialist Who Understands Anaesthesiology
Finding the best malpractice insurance requires working with an agency that understands anaesthesia‑specific risk. Wexford Insurance partners with national carriers specialising in anaesthesiology malpractice insurance, helping practice owners compare options, manage costs, and avoid coverage gaps.
