Washington Professional Liability - 2025 Guide
Washington state's medical malpractice insurance market has stabilized in recent years, though premiums remain moderate to high. The state's Supreme Court has consistently ruled against damage caps, but other reforms have helped create a more predictable liability environment.
Medical Malpractice Insurance Requirements in Washington
Washington does not mandate malpractice insurance for physicians. However, most hospitals and healthcare facilities require coverage. Common 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 Washington
Claims-made policies are more commonly purchased in Washington, 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 Washington
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
The Doctors Company
ProAssurance
Liberty
Malpractice Insurance Cost in Washington
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 | $16,000 | $9,735 |
| Cardiovascular Disease - Minor Surgery | $19,400 | $12,755 |
| Dermatology - No Surgery | $8,500 | $5,370 |
| Emergency Medicine | $28,200 | $20,140 |
| Family Practice - No Surgery | $12,700 | $7,720 |
| Gastroenterology - No Surgery | $15,000 | $11,413 |
| General Practice - No Surgery | $12,700 | $7,720 |
| General Surgery | $46,000 | $20,140 |
| Internal Medicine - No Surgery | $13,200 | $9,232 |
| Neurology - No Surgery | $17,400 | $11,413 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology - Major Surgery | $59,000 | $33,566 |
| Occupational Medicine | $6,700 | $4,612 |
| Ophthalmology - No Surgery | $7,500 | $4,534 |
| Orthopedic Surgery - No Spine | $34,400 | $20,140 |
| Pathology - No Surgery | $10,600 | $6,713 |
| Pediatrics - No Surgery | $11,800 | $7,720 |
| Psychiatry | $7,300 | $5,011 |
| Pulmonary Disease - No Surgery | $17,100 | $11,413 |
| Radiology - Diagnostic | $18,000 | $9,735 |
Working with Medical Malpractice Insurance Brokers in Washington
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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Washington Statute of Limitations
Washington requires medical malpractice claims to be filed within three years of the act or omission causing the injury, or within one year of when the injury was discovered, whichever occurs later. For minors, claims must be filed within three years of the act or by the child's eighth birthday, whichever is later.
Tort Reform in Washington
Washington's tort reforms include: i) mandatory mediation for medical malpractice cases, ii) a 90-day notice requirement before filing suit, iii) limits on attorney contingency fees, and iv) periodic payment options for future damages. The state constitution prohibits caps on damages, but reforms focus on procedural requirements and alternative dispute resolution.