What Is Medical Student Liability Insurance?

Liability insurance for medical students is essentially the same as medical malpractice insurance for students, which covers a medical student if he/she is sued for malpractice.  Although doctors or physicians are responsible for the students whom they supervise, there are times when the student would be named in a malpractice lawsuit, which could make them personally responsible.  Because of their inexperience, medical students face a high risk of being sued for malpractice.

According to the Institute of Medicine, between 44,000 and 98,000 people die in hospitals annually each year because of medical errors.  These errors could have been prevented.  Who knows how many of these incidents involve a medical student. 

Many people are under the impression that doctors or physicians are the only people who are responsible in a malpractice lawsuit.  However, any health care professional can be sued for malpractice including physician assistants, x-ray techs, nurses.  Any health care professional who comes in contact with a patient can be named in a malpractice lawsuit. 

If you are a medical student, it’s likely that you don’t have the money for legal costs if you were to be sued for medical malpractice.  You’re probably well aware that medical malpractice lawsuits are costly.  That’s why it’s important to purchase student liability insurance.  This insurance cover fees to your attorney, court-related fees, and any damages if you are convicted of malpractice. 

The majority of medical schools in the U.S. do require that you purchase liability insurance if you are accepted into their school.  You can either pay for insurance directly to the school if they offer it (few do) or you can buy your own insurance.  The average cost of insurance can vary from city to city or state to state, but that’s not the only consideration taken into account to determine rates.

Purchasing malpractice insurance can be a costly expense for medical professionals, especially in recent years with premiums on the rise. There are a variety of insurance providers who can help you find affordable medical malpractice insurance.  You can even get a discount if you are a recent graduate of medical school.  Each state has their own laws regarding insurance, so be sure to check with the medical board in your state. 

Do keep in mind that not all medical malpractice insurance brokers are alike.  When shopping for insurance, take into account the quality of service that each company provides.  Ask questions and make sure you understand what exactly your policy covers.