Do Anesthesiologists Need Individual or Group Malpractice Insurance?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Jan 20
- 2 min read
Anaesthesiology practice owners often ask a critical question when shopping for coverage: Do anaesthesiologists need individual or group malpractice insurance? The answer depends on your practice structure, employment model, and long‑term risk exposure. Understanding the differences helps ensure you choose the right anaesthesiology malpractice insurance for your situation.
Understanding Individual Malpractice Insurance
Individual malpractice insurance is a policy issued specifically to one anaesthesiologist. This option is common for:
Independent contractors
Solo practitioners
Practice owners who want personal control over coverage
Individual policies travel with the physician, meaning coverage isn’t tied to one employer or group. This is especially important if you change practices, work at multiple facilities, or perform locums work.
Understanding Group Malpractice Insurance
Group malpractice insurance is issued to an anaesthesiology group or practice entity and covers multiple providers under one policy. Group coverage is common for:
Multi‑provider anaesthesia groups
Hospital‑based anaesthesia practices
Ambulatory surgery centre anaesthesia teams
Group policies can be cost‑effective and easier to manage administratively. However, they often include shared limits, meaning multiple claims could reduce available coverage.
Key Differences Between Individual and Group Coverage
Coverage Ownership
With individual insurance, you own the policy. With group insurance, the practice controls the policy.
Coverage Limits
Group policies may use shared aggregates, while individual policies maintain separate limits per physician.
Tail Coverage Risk
If you leave a group with a claims‑made policy, you may be responsible for purchasing tail coverage unless the group contract specifies otherwise.
Flexibility
Individual policies offer greater flexibility for multi‑facility or contract‑based anaesthesiologists.
Which Option Is Right for Your Anaesthesiology Practice?
Many anaesthesiologists carry both group and individual coverage for maximum protection. Practice owners should consider:
Employment agreements
Credentialing requirements
Risk tolerance
Long‑term career plans
Because anaesthesia claims can be severe, having clarity on how coverage applies is essential.
Get Expert Guidance Before Choosing Coverage
Choosing between individual and group malpractice insurance isn’t always straightforward. Wexford Insurance specialises in anaesthesiologist malpractice insurance and works with national carriers that understand anaesthesia‑specific risks.
We help anaesthesiology practices evaluate coverage options, reduce gaps in protection, and secure competitive pricing.