What Anesthesiology Malpractice Insurance Covers for Your Practice
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Jan 20
- 2 min read
When running an anaesthesiology practice, whether cardiac, paediatric, neuro, or OBGYN anaesthesia, understanding your malpractice insurance coverage is essential. Anaesthesiology is one of the highest‑risk medical specialities, which means having the right anaesthesiology malpractice insurance protects your providers, your patients, and the financial stability of your practice. Here’s what a typical policy covers and why it matters.
1. Coverage for Professional Negligence Claims
Malpractice insurance provides protection if a patient alleges injury caused by anaesthesia administration, airway management, sedation complications, pain procedures, or perioperative care. Claims may involve:
Nerve damage
Adverse reactions to anaesthesia
Medication errors
Failure to monitor vital signs
Post‑operative complications
These claims can result in significant legal fees and settlements, coverage ensures your practice is protected.
2. Legal Defence Costs
Even when claims lack merit, anaesthesiologists often require experienced legal representation. Malpractice insurance typically covers:
Attorney fees
Court costs
Expert witness expenses
This coverage is critical, as legal fees alone can reach substantial amounts even before a claim reaches trial.
3. Settlement and Judgement Protection
If your practice is found liable or agrees to a settlement, your policy helps cover:
Financial payouts
Structured settlements
Plaintiff compensation
Without proper coverage limits, a single claim could financially devastate a practice.
4. Coverage for Supervisory and Team‑Based Care
Many anaesthesiology groups supervise CRNAs or anaesthesia assistants. Malpractice policies often include coverage for:
Supervision‑related claims
Co‑signing of charts
Shared liability during procedures
Practices with multiple providers should ensure all team members are listed appropriately.
5. Tail Coverage (Extended Reporting Coverage)
If you change carriers, switch jobs, or retire, tail coverage protects you from future claims filed after your active policy ends. This is crucial in a speciality where claims often emerge months or years after a procedure.
Protect Your Practice With the Right Coverage
Every anaesthesiology practice needs tailored malpractice insurance designed for high‑risk medical specialities. Wexford Insurance partners with carriers that specialise in anaesthesiologist malpractice policies nationwide, ensuring strong coverage and competitive pricing.