Oklahoma Professional Liability - 2025 Guide
Oklahoma's medical malpractice insurance market offers relatively affordable premiums, supported by comprehensive tort reforms and a competitive insurance marketplace. The state's legal climate has improved significantly since the passage of the Affordable Access to Health Care Act in 2003.
Medical Malpractice Insurance Requirements in Oklahoma
Oklahoma does not require physicians to carry malpractice insurance. However, most hospitals and healthcare facilities mandate coverage for privileges. Standard policy limits are $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate. 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 Oklahoma
Claims-made policies are more commonly purchased in Oklahoma, though occurrence policies are available. Claims-made policies typically offer lower initial premiums but require tail coverage upon termination.
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 Oklahoma
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).
MedPro
COPIC
The Doctors Company
ProAssurance
Malpractice Insurance Cost in Oklahoma
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 | $16,600 | $8,182 |
| Cardiovascular Disease - Minor Surgery | $17,400 | $10,720 |
| Emergency Medicine | $25,300 | $16,926 |
| Family Practice - No Surgery | $11,600 | $6,488 |
| Gastroenterology - No Surgery | $12,800 | $9,592 |
| General Practice - No Surgery | $11,200 | $6,488 |
| General Surgery | $37,300 | $16,926 |
| Internal Medicine - No Surgery | $12,000 | $7,758 |
| Neurology - No Surgery | $14,500 | $9,592 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology - Major Surgery | $59,800 | $45,630 |
| Occupational Medicine | $7,500 | $4,513 |
| Ophthalmology - No Surgery | $8,400 | $3,950 |
| Orthopedic Surgery - No Spine | $35,300 | $16,926 |
| Pathology - No Surgery | $10,200 | $5,642 |
| Pediatrics - No Surgery | $10,700 | $6,488 |
| Plastic Surgery | $35,000 | — |
| Psychiatry | $8,600 | $4,513 |
| Pulmonary Disease - No Surgery | $13,600 | $9,592 |
| Radiology - Diagnostic | $16,200 | $8,182 |
Working with Medical Malpractice Insurance Brokers in Oklahoma
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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Oklahoma Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims in Oklahoma is two years from the date of injury or discovery. For minors under 12, claims must be filed before their 19th birthday. Cases involving foreign objects must be filed within two years of discovery.
Tort Reform in Oklahoma
Oklahoma's tort reforms include: i) a $350,000 cap on noneconomic damages (which can be lifted in cases of gross negligence or catastrophic injury), ii) certificate of merit requirements for filing lawsuits, iii) periodic payment options for future damages exceeding $100,000, and iv) modifications to joint and several liability rules limiting defendants' exposure to their percentage of fault.