Get The Best and Reliable Insurance for Nurses in 2023

TLTR: Getting insurance for nurses is vital if you want to make sure that you’re protected against any lawsuits that your profession might bring. This article describes the costs and recommends some of the top companies that offer liability insurance for nurses. It also explains why opting for insurance is essential for nurses.

Working as a nurse in the healthcare industry comes with professional hazards. Even when you’re following protocols and doing everything by the book, there’s always a chance that you might get sued for something that you did unintentionally. You could even be sued for an error you didn’t actually make.

Having reliable nurse malpractice insurance is a must if you want a financial safety net that you can fall back on in the event of any unforeseen unpleasant circumstances.

But what is nurse insurance and what exactly does it cover?

Let’s start with the basics…

What is nursing malpractice insurance?

Nursing malpractice is when a nurse fails to efficiently and competently perform their medical duties, and that failure ends up harming their patient.

Nursing malpractice insurance provides financial protection to nurses throughout any legal action brought against them by a patient, a disgruntled family member, or any personal representative.

Some of the roles that nurses serve are:

• Proper monitoring of their patient
• Assisting their patient out for emergency care
• Identifying signs of a change in their patient’s condition

Do nurses need malpractice insurance in 2023?

Short answer: Yes, they do!

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, there are over 3.8 million registered nurses in the U.S. This number will grow by 15% from 2016 to 2026. If you are a registered nurse or a nursing student, you should consider getting individual nursing malpractice insurance.

Nurses often spend more time with their patients than doctors do. Their roles also require them to be more hands-on and personal with them. They check their patients’ vital signs, administer medications, conduct basic physical exams, and draw blood when necessary. This makes them more vulnerable to civil, regulatory, and in some instances, criminal actions. Some of the most common reasons why nurses get sued include:

Failure to communicate and document
Improper use of medical equipment
Failure to assess and monitor their patients
Medication errors
Failure to act as their patient’s advocate
Having dedicated insurance for nurses, in addition to the professional liability coverage provided by the hospital employer, may well provide unparalleled holistic protection.

Here are some of the top reasons why you need an individual nursing malpractice insurance

It covers all the gaps

The hospital that you work at might have professional liability insurance. But it’s coverage range may be limited. For example, it could cover any damages or bodily injuries you may have been liable for, but it might not cover legal fees.

Besides, your hospital’s policy is put in place for its own best interests, not yours. So, having your own insurance in place can help you cover anything that a general insurance policy might leave out.

If you work at a doctor’s clinic, the policy purchased by the doctor might not cover nurses. Most nurses fall under the category of “independent contractors” and are excluded from doctors’ malpractice insurance policies.

So, make it a point to analyze your policy and figure out its range and limitations.

Round-the-clock coverage

The policies that your hospital provides are generally only valid within the hospital premises. As a nurse, you might offer your services even when you’re outside. For example, someone in a medical crisis might need your help, or you might volunteer for charity regularly. Your hospital policies might not be effective if something were to happen in these situations.

Proper nurse malpractice insurance will provide you with great coverage regardless of where you are.

Provides Holistic coverage

Most employer’s plans that are provided by hospitals only cover lawsuits. They don’t typically cover any complaints made against you to the nursing board. Having your own malpractice insurance will cover lawsuits and complaints made against you.

How many types of nurse malpractice insurance are there?

There are two types of nurse malpractice insurance: claims-based and occurrence-based:

Claims-based

A claims-based policy will cover the insured if both the occurrence of the incident and the claims made take place within the policy period.

Any incident that occurs within the policy period is covered by the policy only if the claim is made during the policy period. For example, if you have a claims-based policy that is valid from January 1 to December 31, 2021, and a claim is made against you within that time frame, you will be fully covered. But if the incident occurs before December 31 and the claim is reported on January 1, 2022, you will not be covered unless you have renewed your policy.

This type of policy also has claim limits. For example, if the policy gives you four claims, you cannot get a fifth. It doesn’t matter if a claim is dismissed or not seen through to the end. It will be counted as one claim out of four.

Note: Claims-based policies are generally more expensive in the first few years but will start to balance themselves out as the policy matures.

Occurrence-based

An occurrence-based policy provides lifetime coverage for any incident that occurs during the policy period. It will provide protection even if the claim occurs after the policy has expired. For example, if apatient sues you in December of 2022 in reference to an injection that was administered during a policy period that had ended in December 2021, this policy will still cover you.

The original incident needs to have happened within the original time frame of the policy, which is usually two years. If you got your policy on January 1, 2021 and it is valid for two years, a claim made in 2023 for an incident that took place in 2020 will still be covered.

Note: Occurrence-based policies will cost more than claims-based policies. However, they provide better and more rounded coverage.

Discuss with a local insurance agent which option would be best suited for you. As experts in the field, they can assess your situation and recommend the right option.

How Much Does Malpractice Insurance for Nurses Cost?

Exactly how much malpractice insurance for nurses costs can be a tricky question to answer. The rates depend on a number of factors like your field and specialty, the state that you’re working in, your claims history, and the place you’re working for.

Not all nurses work in hospitals. Some work in schools and universities, others work at retirement homes and correctional facilities. So, insurance carriers such as The Doctors Insurance Agency write premiums after considering many of the factors discussed.

Some of the annual costs listed for occurrence-based policies are as follows:

• $594-$807 for nurses working in correctional facilities, and specializing in dermatology, oncology, geriatrics.
• $840-$1,538 for nurses working in psychiatric nursing homes.
• $1,086-$1,812 for nurses specializing in family practice, school nursing, and neonatal care.
• $1,334-$1,812 for nurses specializing in acute critical care, prenatal care, cosmetic/ aesthetic surgery, OB/GYN, and pain management.

Note: Coverage amount for all mentioned professions was $1 million per occurrence and $3 million in aggregate.

You can find the best rates and options by window-shopping coverages and comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies. You can also consult with your insurance agent to find the right policy for you.

What Does Student Nurse Liability Insurance Cover?

By now, you should understand the importance of having malpractice insurance once you’ve become a registered nurse. But did you know that you can get sued even when you’re still a student nurse?

Fortunately, student nurse liability insurance is very affordable. You can get basic plans for as little as $35 per year.

Nursing Service Organization (NSO) offers the following features through its student nurse insurance coverage…

Professional Liability

It will cover you up to $1 million for each claim arising from a medical incident, and up to $6 million in aggregate.

Defense Expense Benefit

Covers your expenses if you need to attend any legal proceedings such as hearings should you be sued.

You can receive up to $1,000 per day with an annual limit of $25,000.

Personal Injury Insurance

Covers you against claims including everything from allegations of libel to assault and battery that was committed while serving your professional responsibilities.

Damage to Other’s Property

Pays for any unintentional damage that you may have caused to someone else’s property while at your personal residence or workplace up to the coverage limit.

First Aid Expenses

Reimburses any expenses you incur while implementing first aid to another individual such as supplies from your personal first aid kit.

Defense Attorney Provided

With your own individual coverage, you can receive a defense attorney to represent you in court when necessary. Legal fees will also be paid for covered claims.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Commercial Insurance Agent?

When it comes to commercial insurance, it’s essential that you work with a qualified and knowledgeable agent. A commercial insurance agent will help guide you through the process of securing the appropriate coverage for your business. Whether you’re looking to cover property, liability, or workers’ compensation, having a knowledgeable agent will make a world of difference in getting the protection you need. The benefits of using commercial insurance agents are as follows:

Advice From Insurance Experts

Commercial insurance agents are trained and knowledgeable in their field. They understand the need of the insurance industry and will offer valuable advice. Commercial insurance agents near me also help in selecting the appropriate coverage for your business. They will help to explain the different terms, conditions, and exclusions associated with each policy and make sure you understand the coverage you’re getting.

Competitive Prices

Commercial insurance agents often have access to a variety of insurance companies, meaning they will shop around and find the best rates and coverage for your business. This helps you to save money and get the coverage you need.

Specialize in Your Needs

Commercial insurance agents specialize in the commercial insurance market. They will assess your business and determine what type of coverage you need and help you find the most comprehensive and affordable policy that meets your needs.

Professional Representation

Having a commercial insurance agent on your side means you have someone who is professionally representing your interests and making sure you get the best coverage possible. The best insurance agents near me will also be able to advocate for you if you ever have to make a claim.

Personalized Customer Service

Commercial insurance agents have personal relationships with their customers. This means will be there to answer your questions and provide helpful advice when it comes to selecting an affordable coverage for your business.

Conclusion

The very nature of the nursing profession leaves you vulnerable to lawsuits. Despite the cost, having nursing malpractice insurance can help save you a lot of money if you get sued by your patients. All 50 states require you to have a policy, whether it’s through your hospital/employer or by your own means.

If you are looking for an insurance near me, our best insurance agents near me and knowledgeable agents will help you make sure you get a reliable coverage for your business at the best price. So, let our team of industry experts help you find the right nurse insurance that meets both your needs and budget today! Find an agent near you.