Malpractice Insurance In Connecticut

Protect your practice and stay compliant with Connecticut's medical malpractice insurance requirements. Here's what you need to know.

Connecticut Insurance Requirements

Physicians in Connecticut must carry the following minimum coverage:

  • $1 million per occurrence
  • $4 million aggregate annually

These requirements help ensure adequate protection for both providers and patients. However, your specific needs may vary based on your specialty and practice type.

Telehealth for Out-of-State Providers

Recent changes in Connecticut law affect telehealth services for out-of-state providers. Key details are outlined below:

Current Requirements (Valid Until June 30, 2025)

  • Providers must be licensed, certified, or registered in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia as one of the following:
    • Physician, naturopath, registered nurse, APRN, PA
    • Psychologist, marital and family therapist, clinical or master social worker
    • Alcohol and drug counselor, professional counselor, dietitian-nutritionist
    • Nurse midwife, behavior analyst, or music or art therapist
  • Providers must carry professional liability insurance or indemnity equal to Connecticut's requirements.
  • Services must be within the provider’s professional scope of practice and standards of care.
  • Providers must register with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) before offering telehealth services.

For detailed guidance, consult a broker or legal advisor to ensure compliance and coverage adequacy.

What to Look for in a Malpractice Policy

Choosing the right malpractice insurance policy involves understanding features beyond basic coverage limits. Below are critical elements to evaluate when selecting a policy:

Consent to Settle

A "consent to settle" clause ensures that the insurer cannot settle a claim without your approval. This is especially important for maintaining your professional reputation. Without this clause, an insurer might settle claims quickly, even if you prefer to defend your case.

Defense Costs Outside Coverage Limits

Policies can include legal defense costs either within or outside the liability limits. Opting for a policy where defense costs are outside the coverage ensures that funds for legal representation don’t reduce the amount available for settlements or judgments.

Incident Trigger

Many policies use an "incident trigger," meaning coverage applies when an incident is reported during the policy period, even if the actual claim is made later. This feature is crucial for protecting against delayed lawsuits or claims.

Free Tail Coverage for Death, Disability, or Retirement (DDR)

Some insurers offer complimentary tail coverage if you retire, become disabled, or pass away during the policy term. This ensures that claims arising after you stop practicing are still covered, giving you or your beneficiaries peace of mind without additional costs.

Cyber and HIPAA Coverage

As healthcare increasingly relies on digital records and telehealth, policies offering coverage for cyberattacks and HIPAA violations are essential. This protects against financial and reputational damage from data breaches, ransomware, or compliance penalties.

AM Best Rating

AM Best rates insurers based on their financial stability and ability to handle claims. Selecting a carrier with an A or higher rating ensures you are working with a trustworthy and reliable provider capable of meeting their obligations.

Tip: A broker can help you evaluate these features and ensure your policy provides comprehensive protection for your practice.

Steps to Obtain Medical Malpractice Insurance

  1. Assess your specialty risks and practice needs.
  2. Understand policy types like claims-made or occurrence-based coverage.
  3. Shop for competitive quotes and evaluate insurer reliability.
  4. Ensure your policy meets Connecticut's minimum requirements.
Tip: Work with a licensed broker to identify the best coverage for your unique practice situation.

FAQs

Q: Are there exceptions to Connecticut's insurance requirements?

A: Yes, employed physicians or those under group policies may not need individual coverage, but it’s essential to verify this with your employer and a broker.

Q: Should I carry more than the minimum coverage?

A: Depending on your specialty and risk profile, higher coverage limits may be advisable. Consult with a broker to assess your needs.