Usually, yes, even if your employer covers you. An employer’s malpractice policy is written to protect the employer. It often covers you too, but only while you work there, only for the work you do for them, and with limits shared across the whole practice. If you moonlight, do telehealth on the side, plan to change jobs, or want your own attorney if something goes wrong, a personal policy fills the gaps.
What your employer’s policy usually does
Most practices and groups carry a malpractice policy that names the entity and lists its providers. When a claim comes in, it defends the practice and, in most cases, the providers involved. For a full-time NP or PA who only works at that one place, it may be all the coverage you need.
Where the gaps tend to be
- Shared limits. The policy’s limit is shared across the practice. If a large claim involves several providers, the limit can run thin before it gets to you.
- The employer’s interests come first. The carrier’s client is the practice. If your account of events differs from the practice’s, or the practice settles in a way you disagree with, you may not have a say.
- It stays with the job. Most employer policies are claims-made. When you leave, coverage for your past work depends on whether the employer buys tail coverage and whether it includes you.
- It only covers that job. Moonlighting, locum tenens shifts, telehealth for another platform, and volunteer work are usually outside the employer’s policy.
- Board complaints. Licensing board complaints are more common than lawsuits for NPs and PAs. Some employer policies cover board defense; some do not. A personal policy often does, as a specific line item.
A composite example
A nurse practitioner works full time at a family practice and picks up weekend telehealth shifts for a national platform. A telehealth patient files a complaint with the Texas Board of Nursing. The practice’s policy does not respond, because the care was not practice work. The platform’s contractor coverage has no board-defense benefit. The NP hires an attorney out of pocket for a complaint that is eventually dismissed.
That is the kind of situation a personal policy is built for. It would have paid for the attorney, and it would have followed the NP to the next job.
What a personal NP or PA policy usually includes
- Professional liability for your own practice, wherever you practice, with limits that are yours alone
- Legal defense, including for licensing board complaints and disciplinary actions
- Coverage that follows you when you change employers
- Tail coverage options when you retire or leave practice
- In many cases, telehealth and multi-state coverage, depending on the policy
What to do this week
- Ask your employer for the malpractice declarations page and the endorsement that lists you. Note the limit, whether it is shared, and whether tail is included if you leave.
- Write down every place you practice, including telehealth, locums, and anything on the side. If any of it is outside your employer, that is uncovered work.
- Check whether your employer’s policy includes board-complaint defense. If the answer is unclear, assume it does not.
- Send us the declarations page and that list. We will tell you where the gaps are and what a personal policy looks like for your specialty. Read more about malpractice coverage, or call or text (512) 488-3586.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have my own policy and employer coverage at the same time?
Yes, and it is common. The two policies coordinate, and the personal policy fills in where the employer’s does not apply. Tell each carrier about the other when you apply.
What limits do NPs usually carry?
It depends on specialty, setting, and what hospitals or employers require. Many carry limits in line with what physicians in the same setting carry. We will tell you what is typical for your specialty when we quote.
Does a personal policy cover telehealth?
Many do, often with conditions about which states you are licensed in and where the patient is located. It is one of the first things we check on any NP or PA quote, because telehealth is where employer coverage most often falls short.
How much does NP malpractice insurance cost?
It depends on your specialty, setting, hours, and claims history. Rather than quote a range that will not match your situation, we will give you real numbers from several carriers.
Nightlight Insurance Agency, LLC is an independent insurance agency serving Austin, San Antonio, and Central Texas. Texas Department of Insurance General Lines Agency License 2803067. This post is general information, not a coverage determination. Your policy language controls.
