Malpractice Insurance

Malpractice liability insurance is a type of insurance specific to certain professions, such as the medical or legal industry. For these individuals or companies, malpractice liability insurance provides protection against claims that they have caused harm to their clients via negligent behavior, treatment or advice. These policies also provide protection against claims that intentionally harmful decisions were made during the course of treatment or service.

Malpractice Insurance

Malpractice liability insurance is a type of insurance specific to certain professions, such as the medical or legal industry. For these individuals or companies, malpractice liability insurance provides protection against claims that they have caused harm to their clients via negligent behavior, treatment or advice. These policies also provide protection against claims that intentionally harmful decisions were made during the course of treatment or service.

Who Needs Malpractice Insurance?

Malpractice insurance can extend to other members of the healthcare field—in essence, any individual who is involved in the direct care and treatment of a patient should be covered by malpractice liability insurance. These could include:

  • Dental hygienists
  • Dental assistants
  • Registered nurses (RNs) or LVNs
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Psychotherapists
  • Hypnotherapists
  • Chiropractors

Although many of the aforementioned may be covered under their employer’s malpractice insurance plan, it should always be kept in mind that these policies are created to protect the policy holder’s interests first and foremost. Those who operate independently should definitely look into their own coverage, and having professional liability coverage over and above your employer’s policy is never a bad idea.

Request A Quote

Since the premiums for malpractice liability are dictated by geographical region, rates can often be quite high even if the insured has never had a claim against them. KSA Insurance has been insuring professionals in the Charleston area for more than a decade, providing peace of mind for our local medical and legal specialists. Call today for more information, or get started with a quick malpractice liability insurance quote.

Frequently Asked Questions About Malpractice Insurance in South Carolina

Malpractice insurance—also known as professional liability insurance—protects professionals from claims alleging negligence, errors, omissions, or failure to provide appropriate services that result in harm to a client or patient.

Malpractice insurance is commonly needed by:

  • Physicians and surgeons
  • Nurses and nurse practitioners
  • Dentists and dental professionals
  • Chiropractors
  • Therapists, counselors, and psychologists
  • Other healthcare providers involved in patient care

It may also apply to legal, financial, and professional service providers depending on the nature of their work.

Malpractice insurance is not always required by state law, but it is often required by employers, hospitals, licensing boards, or professional contracts. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended due to the high cost of malpractice claims.

Malpractice insurance may cover:

  • Legal defense costs
  • Court fees and settlements
  • Judgments related to negligence claims
  • Errors or omissions in professional services
  • Claims alleging improper treatment or advice

Coverage applies even if a claim is ultimately found to be groundless.

Most malpractice policies exclude coverage for criminal acts or intentional wrongdoing. However, they often cover allegations of intentional harm until wrongdoing is proven, including legal defense costs.

  • Claims-made policies cover claims filed while the policy is active.
  • Occurrence policies cover incidents that occurred during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is filed.

Claims-made policies are more common and may require tail coverage when coverage ends.

Tail coverage (extended reporting period coverage) allows you to report claims after a claims-made policy has ended, as long as the incident occurred while the policy was active. This is important when changing jobs, retiring, or switching insurers.

Employer-provided coverage is designed to protect the employer first. Professionals who work independently, have side practices, or want added protection often carry their own malpractice insurance for peace of mind.

Coverage needs depend on:

  • Your profession and specialty
  • Scope of services provided
  • Work setting (hospital, private practice, independent contractor)
  • Contract requirements
  • Personal risk tolerance

Many professionals carry limits such as $1 million per claim / $3 million aggregate, but needs vary.

Premiums vary based on:

  • Profession and specialty
  • Geographic location
  • Claims history
  • Coverage limits
  • Type of policy

Rates in South Carolina can be higher for certain specialties, even without prior claims.

Yes. Independent contractors and self-employed professionals should carry their own malpractice insurance to ensure continuous protection regardless of employer coverage.

KSA Insurance has insured medical and professional specialists in Charleston and across South Carolina for over a decade, helping clients navigate coverage options, carrier requirements, and cost-effective solutions.

You can request a quote online or contact KSA Insurance directly. Providing details about your profession, experience, and coverage needs helps ensure accurate pricing and proper protection.

Request A Quote

Since the premiums for malpractice liability are dictated by geographical region, rates can often be quite high even if the insured has never had a claim against them. KSA Insurance has been insuring professionals in the Charleston area for more than a decade, providing peace of mind for our local medical and legal specialists. Call today for more information, or get started with a quick malpractice liability insurance quote.

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