How much do US doctors pay for malpractice insurance? The average cost of medical malpractice insurance for doctors in the United States can vary widely depending on specialty and risk exposure. On average:

• Primary care physicians typically pay between $7,500 and $20,000 annually
• OB-GYNs often pay $60,000 to over $100,000 annually, reflecting the high stakes of childbirth-related claims
• Orthopedic surgeons may see premiums between $50,000 and $120,000 annually, due to complex procedures and potential for injury
• Neurosurgeons face some of the highest premiums, commonly $150,000–$200,000 per year in high-litigation states

These figures highlight the importance of specialty choice and location when budgeting for malpractice insurance.

How much do doctors pay in malpractice?

Breaking down annual premiums into monthly terms can help with budgeting. Many physicians ask “how much is malpractice insurance per month?”

• Primary care: approximately $600–$1,700 per month
• OB-GYN: $5,000–$8,500 per month
• Orthopedic surgery: $4,000–$10,000 per month
• Neurosurgery: $12,500–$16,500 per month

Monthly payment options are often available through insurers, sometimes with small administrative fees, making coverage more manageable for physicians in private practice.

Do doctors pay for their own malpractice insurance?

Whether a physician pays for coverage personally depends on employment type. Physician malpractice insurance rates by state can vary due to local laws, litigation climate and claim history:

• Employed physicians may have premiums partially or fully covered by their employer as part of a benefits package.
• Private practice physicians are generally responsible for their own insurance, which can be a significant business expense.
• State-specific factors can influence cost, including caps on noneconomic damages and local litigation trends.

It’s essential for physicians to have a good understanding of both their employer’s policies and the state regulations to avoid gaps in coverage.

How much are most medical malpractice settlements?

Settlement amounts for malpractice claims can be substantial despite the fact many cases are resolved before reaching trial. Using a medical malpractice settlement calculator or reviewing historical data, physicians can get a sense of typical outcomes:

• Primary care claims often settle for $50,000–$200,000.
• Surgical specialties may see settlements ranging from $250,000–$1,000,000, depending on severity and jurisdiction.
• High-risk specialties like OB/GYN and neurosurgery can face multi-million-dollar settlements.

For instance, the Medical Malpractice Payouts by State Analysis for 2025 states New York led the nation in total medical malpractice payouts, reporting $372.39 million across 659 claims, which averages out to $565,077 per claim. Florida followed with $203.85 million paid across 670 claims, averaging $304,253 per case. Interestingly, Wyoming, despite having only four claims, recorded the highest average payout per claim at $2,373,750, highlighting how even a small number of cases can significantly impact average settlement figures.

These settlement trends underscore the importance of adequate coverage, as even a single large claim can have significant financial consequences without insurance.

Knowing how much US doctors pay for malpractice insurance is essential for career planning, contract negotiation and financial management. Costs vary widely by specialty, location and policy type, however monthly or employer-supported payment options can make coverage more manageable.

Physicians should carefully evaluate both malpractice insurance cost by specialty and their own practice circumstances to choose the right policy. For more guidance on selecting coverage and understanding the risks, visit the PracticeLink Resource Center for additional articles and information.