Do physical therapists get sued?

Yes. According to the National Practitioner Data Bank, 26% of malpractice payments from 2012–2022 involved non-physicians, including PTs. Common claims include aggravation of injury, improper technique, or failure to diagnose. Even small claims can be costly.

Does APTA membership include insurance?

No, but APTA members get a 10% discount on HPSO professional liability policies. You still need to purchase a separate policy through the endorsed program.

Malpractice Insurance for Physical Therapists: A Buying Guide

Q: How much does PT malpractice insurance cost?

Annual premiums typically range from $100 to $350 for a $1M/$3M occurrence policy. Supplemental policies start around $363, while primary coverage averages $765. Exact rates depend on your specialty, location, and claims history.

Physical therapists face real malpractice risks. This guide explains what coverage you need, how much it costs, and where to find it.

Do physical therapists actually get sued?

You might think your hands-on work is low-risk, but the National Practitioner Data Bank reports that 26% of all medical malpractice payments from 2012 to 2022 involved non-physicians — and physical therapists are in that pool. According to HPSO, the average occupational therapy lawsuit totals $60,299. PTs face similar exposures: a patient claims you pushed a stretch too far, aggravated an injury, or failed to spot a red flag. Even a small-claims suit for $10,000, as one Berxi-insured PT experienced, can cost you time, stress, and legal fees if you don't have your own policy.

Your employer's insurance protects the clinic first. It may not cover your license defense, and it usually ends the day you leave that job. If a claim comes in after you've moved on — and it can — you're on your own. That's why independent coverage matters.

What coverage do PTs need?

Here's what to look for in a policy:

License defense coverage — Board complaints are separate from malpractice claims. Many employer policies exclude them. Look for a policy that covers licensing board investigations and legal fees.
Occurrence vs. claims-made — Occurrence policies cover incidents that happened while the policy was active, even if the claim is filed years later. No tail needed. Claims-made covers only claims filed while the policy is active; you'd need tail coverage (often 1.5–2x the annual premium) if you leave. For most PTs, occurrence is simpler and more cost-effective in the long run.
Portability — Your policy should follow you from job to job, including per-diem, contract, or volunteer work.
Consent to settle — Some employer policies let the insurer settle without your okay. Your own policy should require your consent.
Defense costs outside the limits — This means the insurer pays legal fees on top of the coverage limit, not eating into it. Berxi and CM&F Group offer this.

How much does PT malpractice insurance cost?

For physical and occupational therapists, annual premiums typically range from $100 to $350. That's for a standard $1 million per claim / $3 million aggregate occurrence policy. Your exact rate depends on your specialty, work setting, claims history, and state. Some carriers offer supplemental policies for as low as $363 per year, while primary coverage runs around $765. The price is modest compared to the risk — one lawsuit can cost tens of thousands.

APTA members get a discount

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has an endorsed program through HPSO. APTA members receive a 10% discount on their HPSO professional liability policy. That's a solid deal. HPSO offers $1M/$6M occurrence coverage with up to $25,000 in license defense reimbursement. The policy is portable and stays in force between jobs. If you're an APTA member, start your search there.

Top carriers for physical therapists

Here are the major players and what they offer:

HPSO/NSO — $1M/$6M occurrence, license defense up to $25k, portable. APTA discount available. Read our HPSO review.
Berxi — Occurrence and claims-made options, defense costs outside limits, $0 deductible, reputation coverage. Typical PT rates ~$363 supplemental, ~$765 primary. Berxi review.
CM&F Group — Up to $1M/$6M portable, telemedicine and license defense included. Insuring clinicians since 1947. CM&F Group details.
Proliability (Mercer) — Up to $1M/$3M occurrence via Liberty Mutual, board reimbursement $25k/incident, HIPAA $50k. Sponsored by AANP but available to PTs. Proliability review.
CPH & Associates — Occurrence (lifetime coverage), State Licensing Board Defense $35k, A++ rated. CPH review.

For a head-to-head comparison, see our carrier comparison hub.

What about employer coverage?

Your employer's policy is not enough. Here's why:

It protects the facility, not you personally.
It usually excludes license defense.
It ends when you leave — and claims can surface years later.
The insurer may settle without your consent, which can affect your license and future employment.

If you're a PT or PTA, independent coverage fills those gaps. It's cheap insurance for your career.

Caveat: All premium ranges and policy features are based on publicly available information and are subject to change. Final pricing and terms come directly from the carrier at time of quote. Always read the policy.

For more profession-specific guides, check out our physical therapist page or related guides for occupational therapists, massage therapists, and other therapists.