Structuring Malpractice Policies in Multi-Doctor Practices
Smart Policy Pairings to Protect Practice Owners and Associates Alike
“When it comes to malpractice insurance, one size doesn’t fit all—especially inside your own practice.”
As a practice owner, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re protecting your business, your reputation, and often a team of associate doctors. Choosing the right type of malpractice policy structure for each role in your practice isn’t just a legal formality—it’s a strategic decision with long-term implications.
At ChiroFutures, we help chiropractors make those decisions every day. One of the questions we get from practice owners who employ associates is what’s better: Claims Made or Occurrence?
Claims Made Grows with the Owner
As the owner, you’re in chiropractic for the long haul. A claims made policy is designed to grow with your career and adapt over time. It’s typically less expensive upfront and offers more flexibility in terms of changing limits and coverage as your practice expands.
“A claims made policy is an investment that matures with your practice—just like you.”
You also benefit from continuity. Your coverage builds year over year, and if you increase your policy limits down the road, those higher limits can apply retroactively—something occurrence policies don’t allow.
Occurrence Simplifies Transitions for Associates
Associate chiropractors often come and go—whether they’re new grads finding their footing, part-time clinicians, or future practice owners. That’s why an occurrence policy is ideal for them.
It provides self-contained protection: coverage for incidents that happen during the policy period, regardless of when a claim is made. No tail needed. No questions later. When they leave, their coverage stays with them—permanently.
“Occurrence policies give associates clean exits, and owners peace of mind.”
As the owner, you’re not left managing their tail coverage, worrying about potential exposure years down the road, or dealing with post-employment claim confusion. You’ve insulated yourself from that responsibility.
Administrative Simplicity for the Practice
Let’s be honest—running a practice is complex enough without managing insurance legacies for former employees. Structuring coverage this way means:
You manage your own long-term risk and policy growth.
Each associate is self-contained, owning their liability for the time they’re with you.
When an associate moves on, their coverage goes with them—no entanglements.
It also helps with contract clarity. Many associate agreements require the doctor to maintain malpractice insurance during employment—but don’t always spell out who is responsible for tail. With occurrence, that issue is off the table.
The Underwriting Perspective
Underwriters often recommend this structure for good reason: it reduces systemic risk. Claims made policies are more appropriate for the stable anchor of the practice—the owner—while occurrence suits the mobility and variability of associate roles.
It’s a win-win that ensures protection, clarity, and reduced administrative burden for everyone involved.
Keep Everyone Covered the Smart Way
At ChiroFutures, we’re here to help you structure your policies in a way that works with your practice—not against it. Whether you're a solo doc bringing on your first associate or running a multi-doc clinic, making smart insurance decisions on the front end can save you headaches (and money) on the back end.
“Structure your coverage now, so you’re not untangling it later.”
Got questions about how to structure coverage for your team? Reach out to us directly—we’ll help you set it up right from the start.
CLICK HERE to read more about types of policies
ChiroFutures Malpractice Insurance Program
Protecting Chiropractors. Supporting the Profession.
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