Montana Professional Liability - 2025 Guide
Montana's malpractice insurance rates are higher compared to neighboring states, but the state's competitive marketplace offers multiple coverage options. Tort reforms implemented in the 1990s have contributed to a more predictable liability environment.
Medical Malpractice Insurance Requirements in Montana
Montana does not require physicians to carry malpractice insurance. However, many healthcare facilities mandate coverage for privileges. Physicians commonly purchase policies with $1 million per claim and $3 million annual aggregate limits. The first amount is how much your insurance provider will pay per claim, and the second amount indicates your annual limit.
Occurrence vs Claims-Made Malpractice Policies in Montana
Claims-made policies are more commonly purchased in Montana, though occurrence policies are also available.
Coverage applies to incidents that occur during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is filed.
Coverage applies to claims filed during the policy period, requiring tail coverage for future claims.
Leading Medical Malpractice Insurance Companies in Montana
In addition to the below insurers, DocShield typically provides your practice with quotes from several other highly rated insurers. Ratings provided by AM Best (the leading insurance credit rating agency).
Curi
MedPro
The Doctors Company
yellowstone_RRG
Malpractice Insurance Cost in Montana
The data below represent undiscounted premiums. DocShield is often able to save practices 30-50% relative to these rates.
| Medical Specialty | Average Premium | Lowest Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiology | $20,300 | $8,596 |
| Cardiovascular Disease - Minor Surgery | $25,000 | $11,262 |
| Dermatology - No Surgery | $10,500 | $4,741 |
| Emergency Medicine | $33,600 | $17,783 |
| Family Practice - No Surgery | $14,400 | $6,816 |
| Gastroenterology - No Surgery | $15,200 | $10,078 |
| General Surgery | $55,800 | $17,783 |
| Internal Medicine - No Surgery | $14,600 | $8,151 |
| Neurology - No Surgery | $17,900 | $10,078 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology - Major Surgery | $72,200 | $29,638 |
| Occupational Medicine | $8,300 | $4,741 |
| Ophthalmology - No Surgery | $8,000 | $4,150 |
| Orthopedic Surgery - No Spine | $48,300 | $17,783 |
| Pathology - No Surgery | $12,800 | $5,928 |
| Pediatrics - No Surgery | $13,900 | $6,816 |
| Psychiatry | $9,100 | $4,741 |
| Radiology - Diagnostic | $20,800 | $8,596 |
Working with Medical Malpractice Insurance Brokers in Montana
A licensed broker can help you navigate the administrative work involved in getting quotes and the nuances of choosing a policy that fits your particular practice. Importantly, brokers work for you, not a single insurer, so they can shop across multiple insurers to find you the most competitive premium for a high-quality policy.
Buy Affordable Malpractice Insurance with Docshield
We've built the fastest application process in the industry so you don't have to disrupt your schedule to shop for coverage. After you select a policy, we automatically scan the market every year before renewal to ensure you're paying a fair price.
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Montana Statute of Limitations
Montana requires malpractice claims to be filed within three years of the date of the alleged negligent act or the discovery of the injury. Claims cannot be filed more than five years after the incident, except for cases involving minors under the age of four, who have until their eighth birthday to file.
Tort Reform in Montana
Montana's tort reforms include: i) a $250,000 cap on noneconomic damages, ii) the allowance of periodic payments for damages exceeding $50,000, iii) collateral source reform to prevent double recovery of damages, and iv) a mandatory medical legal panel to review claims before court proceedings. The panel's findings are non-binding but aim to reduce frivolous lawsuits.