This 2026 review breaks down the top nursing malpractice insurers, what they cover, typical costs, and how to choose the right policy for your needs.
Why Malpractice Insurance Matters for Nurses
Nurses face risks every day, from clinical errors to documentation disputes and even accusations of violations in professional conduct. Even if an employer provides coverage, that policy protects the institution first—not necessarily you. Having your own professional liability policy ensures:
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Legal defense costs are covered
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Settlements or judgments are paid
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State nursing board defense is included
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Coverage exists even if you change jobs or work independently
Professional liability insurance protects you against claims alleging negligence, errors, or omissions in your professional duties, and costs can escalate quickly without the right coverage.
What to Expect in Terms of Cost
Malpractice insurance for nurses is generally affordable compared to the potential financial exposure from a lawsuit. Typical premiums depend on state, specialty, coverage limits, and type of insurance (claims-made vs occurrence-based).
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Most policies fall in the range of about $45–$150 per month for standard professional liability coverage.
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Annual costs for many registered nurses commonly range from $300 to $1,500, depending on specialty and risk level.
Coverage limits are typically expressed as per claim and aggregate—for example, $1 million per claim and $3 million aggregate.
Top Nursing Malpractice Insurance Providers in 2026
Here's a detailed comparison of the leading malpractice insurance options for nurses practicing in the U.S.
⭐ 1. Nurses Service Organization (NSO)
Best for: Most nurses looking for nurse-focused, trusted protection
NSO is widely regarded as a go-to provider for nursing malpractice insurance. It has a long track record serving hundreds of thousands of nursing professionals and offers policies tailored specifically to nursing practice.
Key benefits
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Occurrence-based policies available
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Coverage up to $1M per claim / $6M aggregate
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Includes state board defense
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Risk management resources and continuing education support
NSO's focus on nursing means policies tend to include protections relevant to real-world nursing responsibilities.
Why it stands out: The nurse-specific design and partnership with professional associations give NSO strong credibility in the healthcare community.
⭐ 2. CM&F Group (Berxi / CM&F)
Best for: Budget-conscious nurses and quick online coverage
CM&F Group has roots dating back to early nursing malpractice policy development and offers portable, nationwide coverage that applies even if you take travel shifts, volunteer, or work in telehealth settings.
Key benefits
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Competitive pricing (some of the lowest in the industry)
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Coverage options up to $2M per claim
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Includes telemedicine, telehealth, and volunteer work coverage
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Instant online purchase and digital policy access
CM&F's flexibility and print-friendly pricing make it ideal for nurses who want straightforward coverage without long wait times.
⭐ 3. Proliability (Marsh & McLennan Agency)
Best for: Nurses seeking flexible policy options
Proliability is backed by a major global insurer and offers a range of policy types, from lower-cost claims-made plans to occurrence-based coverage with stronger long-term protection.
Key benefits
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Flexible policy structures and limits
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Enhanced license defense coverage ($50,000)
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Identity theft resolution and assault coverage options
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Easy online account management
This provider suits nurses who want more personalized policy structures and extra protections beyond malpractice basics.
⭐ 4. Lockton Affinity (AACN Insurance)
Best for: Nurses in higher-risk specialties
Lockton Affinity provides coverage tailored for critical care, emergency departments, and other high-risk nursing areas. Through partnerships with nursing organizations like AACN, policies often include extra layers of protection.
Key benefits
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Higher aggregate limits (e.g., $6M)
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HIPAA violation defense and cyber liability options
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Legal counseling hotline access
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Occurrence-based policies as standard
This choice is designed for nurses whose clinical environments present higher litigation exposure.
⭐ 5. HPSO (Hewlett Packard Solutions Organization)
Best for: Nurses with varied or independent practice
HPSO excels in covering nurses who operate outside traditional employment settings—such as consultants, educators, or those with side businesses.
Key benefits
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Occurrence-based coverage
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Personal liability extensions
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Good Samaritan and product liability protections
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Comprehensive risk management materials
For nurses balancing multiple practice roles, this flexibility can be particularly valuable.
Claims-Made vs Occurrence Coverage
When comparing policies, it's important to understand the difference between two main forms of malpractice insurance:
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Claims-Made: Covers claims only while the policy is active. If you cancel or change jobs, you may need tail coverage for past work.
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Occurrence: Covers events that occur during the policy term, even if reported later. This is often more expensive but provides longer-term peace of mind.
Choosing the right type depends on your career path, job stability, and risk tolerance.
Choosing the Right Policy for 2026
Here are quick tips to help narrow your choice:
For most nurses in the U.S. today, securing professional liability insurance is a smart move that provides a safety net beyond what employer coverage can offer. Providers like NSO, CM&F, Proliability, Lockton Affinity, and HPSO each offer strong options depending on your specialty and needs.
Comparing quotes and policy details before you commit ensures you get comprehensive protection without paying for coverage you don't need.
If you'd like, I can also compile premium price ranges by state or build a side-by-side comparison chart you can embed directly in your blog. Just let me know!
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