Required Chiropractor Malpractice Insurance Coverage Explained
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Chiropractors provide hands-on care that directly affects patient health and mobility. While most treatments are safe and effective, even minor errors or patient misunderstandings can lead to legal claims. That’s why carrying the right chiropractor malpractice insurance coverage is essential for protecting your license, reputation, and financial stability.
Although specific insurance requirements vary by state, most chiropractic practices must carry professional liability coverage to comply with licensing boards, clinic contracts, or lease agreements. Understanding the required coverages ensures your practice remains protected and compliant.
1. Professional Liability (Malpractice Insurance)
Professional liability insurance is the core coverage for chiropractors. It protects against claims of:
Negligence
Misdiagnosis
Treatment errors
Failure to obtain informed consent
Patient injury related to spinal manipulation or therapy
Typical coverage limits start at $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate, though higher limits may be recommended depending on patient volume and services offered. Policies usually cover legal defense costs, settlements, and court judgments.
The American Chiropractic Association highlights the importance of adequate malpractice protection for chiropractic professionals, especially those operating independently.
2. General Liability Insurance
While malpractice insurance covers professional services, general liability insurance protects against non-treatment-related claims. For example:
A patient slips and falls in your waiting room
Property damage occurs during a clinic visit
This coverage helps pay for medical bills, legal expenses, and settlement costs. Many landlords require proof of general liability coverage before leasing office space.
3. Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)
A Business Owner’s Policy bundles general liability with commercial property insurance, which protects:
Office furniture and medical equipment
Diagnostic tools and therapy equipment
Electronic records systems
The physical clinic space (if owned)
Property coverage ensures your practice can recover from events like fire, theft, or vandalism.
4. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If you employ chiropractic assistants, receptionists, or therapists, most states require workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages if an employee is injured on the job. You can review state requirements through your local Department of Labor or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners .
5. Cyber Liability Insurance
With electronic health records (EHR) and patient data stored digitally, chiropractors face cyber risks. Cyber liability insurance protects against data breaches, ransomware attacks, and HIPAA-related legal costs.
Partner With a Specialized Provider
Choosing the right combination of required malpractice and business coverage can be complex. Wexford Insurance specializes in professional liability insurance for chiropractors, helping clinic owners determine appropriate limits and coverage types based on patient volume and services.
Request a custom chiropractor malpractice insurance quote from Wexford Insurance today to ensure your practice meets legal requirements and remains fully protected.
