As a nurse that is dedicated to the care of their patients, it can be devastating to get the news that you are being sued for malpractice. Any health care worker, not just doctors can be put through this ordeal, and it’s important to have the right protection. Malpractice insurance for nurses gives protection and advocacy if it’s needed.
Many nurses rely on the insurance of their employers, but that can be a mistake. While your employment policy will give you some protection, it’s essential that you take out a private policy to get the extra protection that you may need if there is a lawsuit against you.
To find the best malpractice insurance, you will need to do your research. Not all policies are created equally, and you should get the advice of your peers and perhaps a broker that can find a policy that fits your needs. Let’s look at a few tips to help you vet malpractice insurance companies.
Start Early
It may be a good idea to start looking for malpractice insurance while you are still a student. Nursing students may qualify for discounted policies which can save you some money once you start working full-time. New nurses are also more likely to make mistakes as they adjust to their new work environment, so you must have the right coverage right from the start.
Get Recommendations
You can get the advice of some of the more senior staff about malpractice insurance. They will have lots of information to give you about what type of coverage you need, and they can share their experiences with you. Talk to your staff advisor about any recommendations.
Do Your Research
While you will have plenty of sources for recommendations, it’s still essential to conduct your due diligence and put in some research for the best malpractice insurance. Take a tour online of each company that offers malpractice coverage for nurses. Always look at the reviews from clients and look up the listing for each company in the Better Business Bureau to see if there have ever been any filed complaints. Keep in mind that the lowest prices aren’t always the best option.
Read Thoroughly
Your malpractice insurance policy will be filled with lots of legal terminologies that can be confusing. Before you sign on the dotted line, you must take the time to read through your entire policy. Take the time to make a list of questions to ask your broker about and get the clarification you need so you fully understand your policy.
Get Quotes
When it comes to malpractice insurance, the lowest price isn’t always the best option. Before you make a decision, make sure that you get at least three quotes. Together with your research, recommendations, and a thorough reading of each policy, you can make an informed decision about your coverage.
Nurses are vital to the health and wellbeing of their patients. It is unfortunate when a malpractice suit is filed. To get the protection you need, follow the tips in this guide to help you with the process of vetting malpractice insurance companies for nurses.
