Nurse Practitioner
Professional Liability Insurance
Nurse practitioner professional liability insurance protects NPs financially and professionally when a patient alleges negligence, error, or omission in the course of care. The first insurer to cover nurse practitioners – in 1987 – CM&F Group has protected NPs from malpractice claims longer than any provider in the market. Coverage includes all NP specialties – from psychiatric mental health (PMHNP) and acute care to Family Medicine.
- A++ Superior rating from AM Best - the highest financial strength rating possible
- Since 1919 in medical malpractice insurance - and the first to cover NPs in 1987
- Coverage for all NP specialties - from psychiatric mental health (PMHNP) and acute care to Family Medicine
- Average annual savings of 10%–15% compared to competitors
- New nurse practitioners receive an 80% discount if graduated within the past year
Every NP. Every Specialty.
Every Career Stage.
CM&F has covered NPs across every specialty and practice setting – individual NPs and group practices, new graduates and seasoned practitioners. Coverage applies to services within your Scope of Practice (SOP) authority as defined by your state of practice. There’s a policy built for where you are and where you’re headed.
Coverage for Individuals
Coverage for Groups
Nurse Practitioner Malpractice Insurance — What It Costs
Year 1 rate only. Premium increases annually until it doubles or triples. Tail coverage* is an added cost when the policy ends through non-renewal or cancellation.
One stable annual rate, with no maturation schedule and no tail coverage to buy when your policy ends. Because coverage is occurrence-based, you can report a claim at any time for an incident that occurred during an active policy period.
Why CM&F Makes Occurrence-Based Coverage Our Standard
Many insurers advertise a low first-year claims-made rate, then raise it every year until it can double or triple. When that policy ends, you have to buy tail coverage just to keep the right to report a claim for work you already did, typically at 200% or more of your final annual premium, and only for a limited number of years. Once that window closes, so does your ability to report.
Occurrence-based coverage removes that problem. We made it our standard because over a career it is almost always the less expensive choice and always the more certain one. And if CM&F tail coverage is ever in place, you can report claims with no time limit.
*Tail coverage applies to claims-made policies and is purchased when the policy ends. It extends how long you can report a claim for work done while the policy was active, commonly sold in 1, 2, 5, or 7-year increments, and is typically priced at 200% or more of your final annual premium. CM&F tail coverage lets you report claims with no time limit.
Where Nurse Practitioners Can Practice Independently
A nurse practitioner's scope of practice depends on the state. In Full Practice Authority states, NPs can evaluate patients, diagnose, order tests, and prescribe independently. In Reduced and Restricted Practice states, a collaborative or supervisory agreement with a physician is required for some or all of that work.
CM&F covers NPs in all 50 states and D.C. across every practice category. Explore how your state classifies NP practice authority, and what it means for your coverage.
Learn More
Policy Details
CM&F nurse practitioner professional liability policies cover legal defense, regulatory actions, and patient injury claims. Coverage includes full consent to settle, 24/7 portable protection, telehealth services, license defense, and Good Samaritan acts. A defense attorney is provided at no impact to your coverage limits. Key policy details are below.
Policy Coverage Limits
Up to $1 million per claim for amounts you become legally obligated to pay due to a professional liability claim arising from a covered incident.
Up to $6 million aggregate for all covered claims within the policy period.
24/7 Portable Coverage
Your policy covers you anytime, where you provide services outlined within your scope of practice according to relevant state laws, as outlined within your policy agreement. This includes full-time, part-time, telehealth, locum tenens, PRN, per diem or moonlighting assignments, and volunteer work.
Full Consent to Settle
You have the final say when it comes to settling a suit. We will not settle without your consent, and you have the right to take a claim to court.
Telemedicine / Telehealth Coverage
All CM&F policies include telemedicine malpractice coverage for all services within your scope of practice according to state laws. Learn more about telemedicine malpractice insurance.
Good Samaritan Acts Coverage
Good Samaritan Acts coverage protects you up to the limits of your policy if anything goes wrong while providing emergency care to a non-patient.
Assault Upon You
Your policy will include coverage for expenses occurring from a bodily injury or damage to your personal property while performing your professional services.
First Aid Expenses
CM&F professional liability policies cover up to $25,000 for expenses incurred while rendering first aid to another individual.
Medical Payments
Your CM&F policy includes coverage up to $25,000 per claim / $100,000 aggregate for medical expenses incurred by others as a result of a covered incident.
Deposition Fees Coverage
Even if you are not named in a lawsuit, there may be scenarios where you are required to attend a deposition. Your policy covers up to $25,000 in reasonable fees, costs and expenses necessary to represent you at a deposition.
License Defense/Administrative Hearing Expense Coverage
Your policy will cover up to $35,000 per claim / $100,000 aggregate for defense costs arising out of disciplinary, licensure, Medicare/Medicaid billing errors or similar administrative proceedings arising from covered incidents.
Defense Attorney Provided
When needed, a defense attorney will be provided to represent you in court. Win or lose, legal fees in connection with a covered claim are covered without impacting your liability coverage limits.
Sexual Misconduct Defense
Your policy will cover up to $25,000 per policy period for amounts related to the defense of covered claims involving sexual misconduct.
HIPAA Defense Coverage
Information privacy coverage reimburses you up to $35,000 for costs related to claims alleging HIPAA violations.
Loss of Earnings
Your policy will cover up to $2,500 per day / $35,000 aggregate for loss of earnings arising from a covered incident if you are away from your employment as a Healthcare Professional at our request to help us defend a suit.
Biomedical Waste Hearing Expense
CM&F professional liability policies cover up to $10,000 for expenses arising out of biomedical waste hearings for covered incidents.
Personal Property of Others
Your policy will cover up to $1,000 aggregate for damages to personal property belonging to others, but for which you are responsible.
Additional Insured Endorsement at No Added Cost
With CM&F, there are no fees to add additional insureds to your policy. Additional Insured parties receive a shared limit with the First Named Insured for vicarious liability.
*Please note that insurance can be complex, so please refer to your policy’s terms and conditions for more specific language related to your situation.
How Professional Liability Coverage Works For Nurse Practitioners
This section explains the steps by which a claim is handled under your CM&F Group professional liability (malpractice) policy.
| # | Step | Trigger | What Happens | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Claim Is Filed | A patient alleges negligence, an error, or an omission in care. | A formal claim is initiated against you based on the alleged incident. | The claims process begins and must be reported to your insurer. |
| 2 | The Claim Is Reported to Your Insurer | You or a representative notify CM&F of the claim. | The claim is officially submitted under your professional liability policy and logged for handling. | CM&F reports the claim to MedPro, the underwriting carrier, which takes over handling from here. |
| 3 | A Claims Manager Is Assigned and Coverage Is Confirmed | The carrier takes over handling of the reported claim. | MedPro assigns a Claims Manager who gathers the relevant details of the incident and coordinates a coverage review with Coverage Counsel. | Coverage Counsel confirms whether the incident triggers coverage under your policy. If it does, the claim moves forward to legal defense. |
| 4 | A Defense Attorney Is Assigned | Coverage is confirmed and the claim moves into active defense. | MedPro assigns a qualified defense attorney and manages the legal process on your behalf. | You receive legal representation and guided defense strategy. |
| 5 | Legal Defense Costs Are Covered | Legal defense activities begin (e.g., attorney work, filings, court preparation). | Your policy covers defense-related legal expenses outside of your liability limits. | Your policy limits remain intact and are not reduced by defense costs. |
| 6 | You Retain Control Over Settlement Decisions | A settlement decision is proposed. | MedPro manages settlement, and no claim is settled without your explicit consent. | You maintain full control over whether a claim is settled or proceeds further. |
| 7 | A Settlement or Judgment Is Reached | The case resolves through settlement or court decision. | The policy pays covered damages up to the applicable limits, subject to policy terms. | Covered damages are paid up to your policy limits, protecting your personal assets from financial exposure. |
Additional Insurance Coverage Add-Ons
The following optional coverages bolt on to your CM&F Professional Liability policy for NPs, adding protection for exposures beyond your clinical practice, including coverage that can extend to other professionals you work with.
General Liability
General liability insurance for nurse practitioners provides coverage for non-professional risk exposures, including bodily injury or property damage that occur at the practice location and are not related to patient care.
Policies typically include limits such as $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate, depending on the selected coverage.
Medical Director Coverage
Medical director coverage for nurse practitioners provides professional liability coverage for services performed in an administrative capacity on behalf of a third-party organization.
This coverage applies to non-clinical responsibilities such as oversight, protocol development, or supervisory functions, rather than direct patient care.
Supervising Physician Coverage
Supervising physician coverage allows a nurse practitioner policy to extend professional liability coverage to a designated supervising physician, where required.
This requires a separate application for approval. Coverage terms, eligibility, and cost vary based on the supervising relationship and underwriting requirements.
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APPLYFrequently Asked Questions
Reach us by phone, email, or chat – our team is here to help you find the right coverage for your practice.
What does nurse practitioner professional liability insurance cover?
Nurse practitioner professional liability insurance covers claims arising from patient care, including allegations of negligence, errors, or omissions. Coverage typically includes legal defense, settlements or judgments, and may extend to regulatory actions, license defense, and certain patient injury and/or property claims, depending on the policy terms.
Do nurse practitioners need their own malpractice insurance if covered by an employer?
Employer-provided malpractice insurance is designed to protect the healthcare organization, not the individual nurse practitioner. Individual professional liability insurance provides coverage that helps protect the NP’s personal assets and professional reputation if a claim is filed.
What is the difference between occurrence and claims-made coverage for nurse practitioners?
Occurrence coverage applies to incidents that happen during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is filed. Claims-made coverage applies only when both the incident and the claim occur while the policy is active, unless extended reporting coverage is in place.
What are professional liability coverage limits for nurse practitioners?
Professional liability coverage limits define how much a policy will pay for claims. Per occurrence limits apply to a single claim, while aggregate limits define the total amount payable for all claims within the policy period.
What factors affect the cost of malpractice insurance for nurse practitioners?
The cost of nurse practitioner malpractice insurance is based on specialty, scope of practice, geographic location, selected coverage limits, and claims history. Higher-risk specialties and higher coverage limits typically result in higher premiums.
Does malpractice insurance cover telehealth services for nurse practitioners?
Malpractice insurance may include coverage for telehealth services when those services fall within the nurse practitioner’s licensed scope of practice and comply with applicable regulations and policy terms.
Are discounts available for new nurse practitioners?
Malpractice insurance policies may offer discounts for nurse practitioners who are new to practice, including recent graduates, helping reduce the cost of coverage during the early stages of their careers.
How does a malpractice claim work for a nurse practitioner?
A malpractice claim begins when a patient alleges negligence, an error, or an omission in care. Once a claim is reported, the professional liability insurance policy provides access to legal defense and manages the claims process on behalf of the nurse practitioner. The insurer investigates the claim, appoints defense counsel, and covers legal costs, settlements, or judgments, subject to the policy’s terms and coverage limits.
CM&F Trusted Provider to Nurse Practitioners
Since 1919, CM&F has stood behind healthcare professionals through every shift in the market, the regulatory environment, and the practice of medicine itself. That commitment doesn't waver — and neither does your coverage.
Coverage That Travels With You
Your policy moves with you across employers, practice settings, and state lines — always protecting your personal assets and license.
A Century of Commitment
In business since 1919 and the first insurer to cover nurse practitioners in 1987. Longer experience means deeper expertise.
No Surprises at Separation
Occurrence-based coverage means no tail coverage costs when you retire or change jobs — permanent protection built in.
Your Defense. Your Decision.
Full consent to settle means you control your defense from start to finish. CM&F will never settle a claim without your explicit approval.
Have Questions?
Have questions about CM&F professional liability insurance policies? Call or email using the details below, or click the Chat icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. For more commonly asked questions, refer to our FAQ page.
CM&F Means Peace of Mind
CM&F Group was founded over a century ago. Through up and down markets, CM&F’s dedication to healthcare professionals has never wavered.
CM&F remains committed to making it easy and cost-effective to secure vital professional insurance coverage.
- Future-Proof Care
- Time-Tested Trust
- We Keep It Simple
- We’re Your Ally