Current Perspective on Medical Professional Liability Insurance

Recent developments in the medical professional liability insurance marketplace would suggest that the crisis in this line of insurance is over. Many carriers indicate that loss trends have slowed considerably over the last few years. Several companies have reduced rates and have made coverage more available. New writers of the coverage have entered the market. Many interpret this activity as an indication that medical professional liability reserves historically have been overstated. Others observe that claim costs have only plateaued and have begun (or will begin) to increase again. The phenomenon does not imply an overreserved position by the industry. This panel will review recent developments in medical professional liability insurance, providing perspectives from the insurer’s and reinsurer’s viewpoints.