Medical malpractice insurance is a type of insurance coverage that is designed to protect healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, from financial losses resulting from medical malpractice claims. Medical malpractice claims can arise when a patient is injured or harmed as a result of a healthcare provider's negligence, error, or omission.

Medical malpractice insurance is typically purchased by healthcare providers, either individually or as part of a group or organization. The insurance policy covers the costs of legal fees, court costs, and any damages or settlements that the healthcare provider may be required to pay as a result of a medical malpractice claim.

There are two types of medical malpractice insurance:

1. Occurrence-based policies: These policies cover claims that arise from incidents that occur during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is filed. Once the policy period ends, the coverage for any incidents during that period remains in effect indefinitely, even if the policy is no longer in force.

2. Claims-made policies: These policies cover claims that are filed during the policy period, regardless of when the incident occurred. However, the policy only covers incidents that occurred after the retroactive date, which is the date the policy first came into effect. Once the policy period ends, any incidents that occurred during that period are no longer covered, unless the policy is renewed or replaced with an extended reporting period endorsement.

The cost of medical malpractice insurance can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of policy, the size and specialty of the healthcare provider, and the geographic location. Healthcare providers who have a higher risk of malpractice claims, such as obstetricians or surgeons, may pay higher premiums than those in lower-risk specialties.

Overall, medical malpractice insurance can provide valuable protection for healthcare providers, as it helps to minimize the financial risk associated with medical malpractice claims. If you are a healthcare provider, it's important to carefully review your insurance options and choose a policy that provides the right level of coverage for your practice or organization.