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For Nurse Practitioners Robust Tail Coverage is Just What the Doctor Ordered

February 17, 2025

Nurse practitioners (NPs) dedicate their careers to patient care, but many overlook the legal and financial risks they face. Malpractice lawsuits are a growing concern, and without the right protection, an NP could be left personally liable for legal fees, settlements, and other financial damages.

Many NPs assume their employer-provided malpractice insurance is enough. However, these policies are often designed to protect the employer first, not the individual NP. The biggest risk comes when an NP leaves a job—if a lawsuit is filed after their departure, the employer’s policy may no longer cover them. This is where tail coverage becomes essential.

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What Is Tail Coverage?

Tail coverage is a malpractice insurance extension that protects NPs after they leave a job. Most employer-provided policies are claims-made, meaning they only cover incidents that are reported while the policy is active. If a patient files a lawsuit after an NP has switched jobs, the previous employer’s coverage may no longer apply—leaving the NP fully exposed to legal and financial consequences.

Tail coverage ensures that any claims related to past employment remain covered, even after an NP moves on to a new role.

Medical malpractive insurance is an often misunderstood, yet critical component in the realm of healthcare. It serves as a protective barrier, not just for medical practitioners against unforeseen legal claims,

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Why Tail Coverage Is Essential for NPs

Malpractice claims are not always immediate—they can arise months or even years after an incident. Without tail coverage, an NP could be left responsible for court fees, settlements, and legal representation costs.

This is especially important for NPs who work in high-risk specialties such as psychiatry, urgent care, or senior care, where lawsuits are more common due to the complexity of patient conditions. NPs in telehealth and contract work are also vulnerable, as these roles often come with less employer-provided protection.

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What Employer Malpractice Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Even when an employer provides malpractice insurance, NPs must understand its limitations. Many policies:

• Protect the employer first, which may not fully cover the NP.

• Expire when an NP leaves the job, leaving them vulnerable to future claims.

• Do not cover moonlighting, contract work, or independent practice, meaning NPs working outside their primary employment could be uninsured.

This makes personal liability coverage a crucial safety net, ensuring an NP is protected no matter where or when a claim is filed.

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How NPs Can Get the Right Malpractice Insurance

When choosing malpractice coverage, NPs should carefully evaluate their options. An occurrence-based policy is ideal, as it covers any incident that occurs during employment, even if the NP later leaves the job. However, if an NP is covered under a claims-made policy, they should ensure that tail coverage is included or available for purchase.

Working with an insurance provider that specializes in NP malpractice coverage can help ensure comprehensive protection tailored to an NP’s specific risks and career path.

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Western Summit’s Commitment to NPs

Western Summit helps nurse practitioners secure malpractice coverage designed to protect them before, during, and after employment changes. Our expertise ensures NPs are fully covered, no matter where their careers take them. Don’t wait until it’s too late—get the right coverage today.