Occupational Therapy Liability Insurance

Physician assistants (PAs) play a critical role in modern healthcare, often serving as the first point of care for patients. With such responsibility comes the potential for legal risks. Physician assistant liability insurance is essential for protecting both your career and your financial future.

This guide explains why liability insurance is important for PAs, what coverage typically includes, and how to find the right policy at the best price.

Why Physician Assistants Need Liability Insurance

Even with the highest level of professionalism, mistakes and misunderstandings can happen in healthcare. Physician assistants may face:

• Medical malpractice claims – allegations of misdiagnosis, improper treatment, or failure to act.

• General liability risks – such as accidental injuries in a clinical setting.

• Legal defense costs – which can be overwhelming even if you are not found at fault.

Having liability insurance ensures that these risks do not threaten your livelihood or reputation.

What Does PA Liability Insurance Cover?

A comprehensive policy typically includes:

• Medical malpractice coverage: Protects against claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in patient care.

• License protection: Covers legal fees if your professional license is challenged.

• General liability coverage: Protection for accidents like patient slips and falls in your office.

• Defense costs: Legal expenses, court fees, and settlement negotiations.

• HIPAA violations: Coverage for accidental breaches of patient confidentiality.

Occurrence vs. Claims-Made Policies

• Occurrence policies: Cover incidents that happen during the policy period, even if the claim is filed later.

• Claims-made policies: Cover only if the policy is active when both the incident and the claim occur.

For PAs, occurrence policies are often more expensive but provide longer-lasting protection. Claims-made policies can be more affordable but may require purchasing “tail coverage” when switching insurers.

How Much Does Liability Insurance for PAs Cost?

On average, physician assistant liability insurance ranges between $800 and $2,500 per year, depending on factors such as:

• Specialty and scope of practice

• Geographic location

• Experience level

• Coverage limits selected

• Employer coverage vs. personal policy

Even if your employer provides coverage, many PAs purchase their own policy to ensure independence and broader protection.

How to Choose the Right Policy

1. Evaluate coverage limits – Make sure they match your risk exposure.

2. Check for gaps in employer insurance – Employer policies often prioritize the facility, not the individual.

3. Compare multiple carriers – Rates and benefits can vary widely.

4. Look for added benefits – CME support, license defense, and cyber liability are often included.

Key Points

• Physician assistants face malpractice, general liability, and legal risks.

• Individual policies provide protection beyond employer coverage.

• Average costs range from $800–$2,500 per year.

• Occurrence policies offer longer protection but cost more.

• Always compare multiple insurers to find the best deal.

FAQ: Physician Assistant Liability Insurance

1. Do physician assistants need their own liability insurance if their employer provides coverage?
Yes. Employer coverage usually prioritizes the organization. A personal policy ensures you are fully protected.

2. What’s the difference between malpractice insurance and liability insurance for PAs?
Malpractice insurance focuses on medical errors, while liability insurance can also cover general accidents, license defense, and HIPAA violations.

3. Can a physician assistant be personally sued?
Yes. Patients can sue both the healthcare facility and the PA individually. Without personal coverage, your assets may be at risk.

4. How much coverage should a physician assistant carry?
Most experts recommend at least $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate per year, but higher limits may be necessary depending on specialty and location.

5. Is tail coverage necessary for physician assistants?
Yes, if you have a claims-made policy and leave your employer or switch carriers, tail coverage ensures you’re protected against late-filed claims.

Conclusion

Physician assistants play a vital role in patient care, but with that responsibility comes exposure to legal risks. Having the right physician assistant liability insurance ensures your career, finances, and reputation are safeguarded.

At THAgency, we search through nearly 100 insurance carriers to guarantee you the best price and coverage for your needs.

Start now and see your options instantly. Get your personalized quote today. It’s fast, secure, and tailored to you.