Texas Professional Liability - 2025 Guide
Texas has experienced significant improvements in its medical malpractice insurance market since comprehensive tort reforms in 2003. The state's $250,000 cap on non-economic damages has helped reduce premiums and attract physicians to practice in Texas.
Medical Malpractice Insurance Requirements in Texas
Texas does not mandate malpractice insurance for physicians. However, most hospitals and healthcare facilities require coverage. Common policy limits are $200,000 per occurrence and $600,000 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 Texas
Claims-made policies are more commonly purchased in Texas, though occurrence policies are available. Claims-made policies typically have lower initial premiums but require tail coverage when terminated.
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 Texas
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
ProAssurance
The Doctors Company
Coverys
Malpractice Insurance Cost in Texas
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 | $8,800 | $3,842 |
| Cardiovascular Disease - Minor Surgery | $10,700 | $5,034 |
| Dermatology - No Surgery | $4,800 | $2,119 |
| Emergency Medicine | $13,900 | $5,623 |
| Family Practice - No Surgery | $7,700 | $3,047 |
| Gastroenterology - Major Surgery | $12,500 | $6,028 |
| General Practice - No Surgery | $7,400 | $3,047 |
| General Surgery | $22,900 | $7,949 |
| Internal Medicine - No Surgery | $7,900 | $3,644 |
| Neurology - No Surgery | $8,600 | $4,324 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology - Major Surgery | $28,000 | $11,962 |
| Ophthalmology - Major Surgery | $8,000 | $3,047 |
| Orthopedic Surgery - No Spine | $19,000 | $7,949 |
| Pathology - No Surgery | $7,000 | $2,649 |
| Pediatrics - No Surgery | $7,600 | $3,047 |
| Plastic Surgery | $17,200 | $7,949 |
| Psychiatry | $6,500 | $2,119 |
| Radiology - Diagnostic | $8,900 | $3,842 |
Working with Medical Malpractice Insurance Brokers in Texas
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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Texas Statute of Limitations
Texas requires medical malpractice claims to be filed within two years of the treatment that caused the injury or from when the injury was discovered. For minors under 12, claims must be filed before their 14th birthday.
Tort Reform in Texas
Texas's landmark 2003 tort reforms include: i) a $250,000 cap on non-economic damages per defendant ($750,000 total cap), ii) requirements for expert reports within 120 days of filing suit, iii) raised standards for expert witness qualification, and iv) periodic payment provisions for future damages over $100,000.