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Practice More Safely // Coverage // The Anatomy of an OMS Malpractice Policy

The Anatomy of an OMS Malpractice Policy

February 6, 2026

Reading time: 5 minutes

Understanding the parts of a malpractice policy can help oral and maxillofacial surgeons make informed decisions about their insurance. This article breaks down the key components of malpractice coverage, allowing you to understand how it works and the safeguards it provides.

Key Concepts           

  • Defining OMS malpractice insurance
  • The components of a malpractice insurance policy
  • Considerations for choosing a carrier

As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, understanding the details of your malpractice insurance policy is crucial. It can help you better protect your practice, your reputation, and your career.

In this article, you will learn about the parts of an OMS malpractice insurance policy. Doing so can help you make informed decisions and get the right coverage for your professional needs. Whether you’re a seasoned OMS or just starting out, this guide can help you understand your malpractice insurance better.

What is OMS malpractice insurance?

OMS malpractice insurance is a type of professional liability insurance. It’s designed to protect oral surgeons from financial loss due to claims of wrongdoing. These claims can arise from alleged negligence, errors, or omissions when providing services.

A malpractice policy is more than just a safety net. It’s a crucial tool for safeguarding your reputation and career in the face of potential lawsuits. Without adequate coverage, a single malpractice claim can lead to significant financial strain. That’s why understanding the nuances of an OMS malpractice policy is essential. It allows you to ensure that your policy provides the necessary coverage for your unique practice needs. It can also help you navigate the claims process more effectively.

The components of an OMS malpractice policy

An OMS malpractice policy is composed of several key aspects. Each part plays an important role in defining the scope and limitations of your coverage. The main parts of a policy typically include the declarations page, insuring agreement, exclusions, and endorsements. Each component provides specific information about your policy.

The declarations page is the first part of your malpractice policy. It provides a snapshot of your coverage. This page typically includes information such as the policyholder’s name, policy period, and policy limits. It’s essential to review this page carefully. It can help you understand the basic parameters of your coverage and ensure they align with your practice’s needs.

The insuring agreement is the heart of your malpractice policy. It outlines the carrier’s promise to provide coverage for claims arising from your professional services. This section details the circumstances under which the carrier will defend and indemnify you. Understanding the insuring agreement is crucial. It helps you grasp the extent of your coverage and the conditions under which it applies.

Exclusions are as important as the coverage itself. They define what is not covered by your policy. Common exclusions may include intentional acts, sexual misconduct, or services rendered outside the scope of your license. The exclusions section is important. It will help you identify any coverage gaps.

Endorsements can add to, remove from, or modify the standard coverage. For example, an endorsement can be added to your policy to reflect a premium credit if you are working part-time or taking an extended break from practice.

The consent-to-settle clause is a critical aspect of any malpractice policy. Under a pure consent provision, you, the policyholder, have the right to refuse to settle a malpractice claim, with no exceptions. The carrier cannot settle a claim without your consent. Keep in mind that some insurance providers offer “consent to settle” only with certain exceptions. MedPro Group – the industry’s leading carrier – offers pure consent with no exceptions.

Types of OMS malpractice policies

Malpractice policies come in two main types: Claims-made and Occurrence. Understanding each one is essential when choosing the right coverage for your practice.

Occurrence coverage doesn’t end when the policy ends. If someone files a claim against you, your Occurrence policy from the year of the incident will cover you. Claims-made coverage ends when the policy ends, so you may have to buy tail coverage to stay protected for any claims made against you after the policy ends. The major differences between the two are how long they protect you and how much they cost. They both have unique benefits.

To learn more about malpractice policy types, including tail coverage, check out our Guide to Malpractice Insurance.

Choosing the right OMS malpractice insurance for you

Choosing the best OMS malpractice insurance requires careful consideration. It’s not just about finding the most affordable policy, but the one that offers the most comprehensive coverage for your specific needs. Consider factors such as the carrier’s financial stability, claims management success, and customer service. In addition, the policy’s coverage limits, exclusions, and endorsements are important to take into account. Make sure the policy covers all aspects of your practice. To learn more about how to choose the right malpractice policy, read this article.

When comparing providers and policies, don’t just look at the price. Consider the coverage each policy offers and whether it meets your specific needs. Your carrier should also have a great reputation and long-standing financial stability. Check reviews and ratings from independent agencies. Remember, the goal is to find a policy that offers the best protection for your practice, not just the one with the lowest price.

Several factors can influence how you choose your malpractice insurance, including how much it costs. When it comes to your malpractice insurance cost, it’s important to note that your practice location, the size of your practice, and your claims history will be factored in. It’s important to fully disclose all aspects of your practice to your carrier to ensure you receive adequate coverage. 

Feel confident in your coverage with MedPro Group

OMS malpractice insurance can seem overwhelming and confusing. With the right carrier on your side, you can ensure you get coverage tailored to your needs so you can practice with greater confidence.

With 125+ years of experience and half a million cases handled, MedPro Group is uniquely positioned to protect your good name. Secure your peace of mind by starting a quote today.

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For oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS), malpractice insurance is an essential career and practice protection. Learn the key differences between policy types so you can confidently select the coverage that's right for you, no matter where you’re at in your career.









Key Concepts





    

  • Malpractice policy types
    • 




  • Solo practitioner vs. group practice
    • 




  • Policy limits and cost considerations
    • 










Malpractice claims and lawsuits are a persistent threat for oral and maxillofacial surgeons, often occurring unexpectedly. To protect your practice and career from allegations of wrongdoing, malpractice insurance is absolutely vital. It provides a crucial shield, helping to safeguard you from the significant financial and professional risks that claims and lawsuits can pose.





That being said, purchasing OMS malpractice insurance requires strategy. To make an informed decision when securing coverage, you should:





    

  1. Compare policies
    2. 




  2. Regularly assess your business needs
    3. 




  3. Consult a professional for guidance
    4. 






It’s crucial to understand the available policy types before choosing a specific one.





Navigating OMS malpractice coverage options





There are two main malpractice policy types OMS can choose from: Occurrence and Claims-made. To decide which one will best meet your needs, you must first understand each policy’s benefits and limitations.





    

  • A Claims-made policy covers claims that are brought against you during the policy period, regardless of when the incident occurred. Your protection ends at the end of the policy term. If you leave a practice or retire, you’ll most likely need to purchase tail coverage.
    • 






    

  • Tail coverage (sometimes called an Extended Reporting Endorsement) keeps you covered for any claims made against you once you stop practicing or end your Claims-made policy. Tail coverage can be expensive, sometimes double or triple your current annual premium.
    • 






    

  • An Occurrence policy covers incidents that occur during the policy period, even if the claim is made after the period ends. Occurrence coverage doesn’t end when the policy ends. If someone files a claim against you, your Occurrence policy from the year of the incident will cover you. Each year you renew your policy, you have a new set of limits to protect you from any future claims that result from incidents occurring that year. 
    • 






Though Occurrence policies are generally more costly upfront than Claims-made policies, when the cost for tail coverage is factored in, Occurrence is often cheaper than Claims-made coverage in the long run.





As your insurance needs evolve over time, you’ll need to review your policy regularly and make adjustments as needed. In doing so, you can ensure you always have the right coverage for your current circumstances.





Cost considerations for each malpractice policy type





The cost of an OMS malpractice policy varies by location, claims history, and other factors. Claims-made policies typically cost less during the first year, while rates increase annually as the policy progresses. 





Conversely, the cost of an Occurrence policy can be higher at first, but over time, the premiums are more stable and predictable, often making Occurrence coverage more affordable in the long run.





Solo vs oral group surgery practice 





Understanding your specific role within a practice will help you determine which policy type and limits best apply to your situation.





Owning a practice





As owner of your practice, you are often a marketer, HR manager, CFO, and CEO. Much of your own time, energy, and money go into building your practice. Consequently, your practice, just like you, can be named in a malpractice lawsuit. 





There are two main business entity malpractice coverage types: Separate Limits Coverage and Shared Limits Coverage. 





    

  • Separate Limits Coverage allows defense costs and indemnity payments to be paid on behalf of your practice ­separately from your individual policy limits. You may qualify for this option if you own all or a portion of your practice.
    • 






    

  • Shared Limits Coverage means defense costs and indemnity payments will be paid on behalf of both you and your practice under one shared set of limits. This may be the right option for you if you have a solo corporation with no employed or contracted associates.
    • 






MedPro Group offers competitive business entity malpractice insurance solutions to help protect you and your practice. 





Joining an OMS group practice as an associate





Associate OMS, employed by practice owners, may get malpractice coverage from their group practice. To better understand the coverage terms set by your employer, request a copy of the policy.





Whether you’re full-time or part-time, your employer's policy may not satisfy your coverage needs. Depending on employer preference, you may be able to purchase individual coverage out of your own pocket.





Retiring from an OMS practice





As a retired OMS, you remain at risk for malpractice claims, even years after you leave practice. Tail coverage is especially important at this stage in your career if you were previously covered under a Claims-made policy. 





Some carriers, like MedPro Group, offer free tail upon retirement, regardless of your age. To qualify for free tail upon retirement with MedPro, you must:





    

  • Be fully retired
    • 




  • Have a retroactive date at least 48 months prior to the date of retirement
    • 




  • Be insured by the company for 12 months on a mature Claims-made policy
    • 






With free tail from MedPro, you can retire earlier with peace of mind.





Other malpractice policy factors for OMS to consider





Consider these additional aspects of a policy before signing on the dotted line.





Policy limits: The maximum amount an insurer is willing to pay for a claim filed against you.





    

  • For Claims-made coverage, you must renew your policy annually to remain protected by claims, even if the incident happened in the past when you had coverage.
    • 






    

  • Occurrence coverage provides a separate set of limits for each year you buy the policy. These limits never expire. If someone files a claim, you will still be covered by your policy from the year of the incident.
    • 






No matter the coverage type, make sure your limits are high enough to protect you throughout your career. Certain risks are better supported by higher limits. Consult an insurance expert to determine how high your limits should be to best suit your practice.





Additional coverages: Added policy benefits such as cyber liability, HIPAA coverage, audit coverage, and billing errors coverage. Remember to check these add-ons to ensure your practice is protected with the necessary additional coverages.





Pure consent provision: A detail on your insurance policy that determines whether you have the right to refuse to settle a claim. Make sure the consent provision in your policy gives you that power without exceptions.





Learn more about how these factors play into choosing a policy in our Guide to Malpractice Insurance.





Need additional support? MedPro Group is here to help.





Before deciding on a policy, it's wise to consult a professional who specializes in malpractice insurance for OMS. Experts at MedPro can help you navigate the complexities of choosing a policy so that you’re confident in your decision. With over 125 years of malpractice experience, you can rest assured knowing MedPro Group will protect your good name.





To get started, schedule a free consultation or get a quote today.


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For oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS), malpractice insurance is an essential career and practice protection. Learn the key differences between policy types so you can confidently select the coverage that's right for you, no matter where you’re at in your career.









Key Concepts





    

  • Malpractice policy types
    • 




  • Solo practitioner vs. group practice
    • 




  • Policy limits and cost considerations
    • 










Malpractice claims and lawsuits are a persistent threat for oral and maxillofacial surgeons, often occurring unexpectedly. To protect your practice and career from allegations of wrongdoing, malpractice insurance is absolutely vital. It provides a crucial shield, helping to safeguard you from the significant financial and professional risks that claims and lawsuits can pose.





That being said, purchasing OMS malpractice insurance requires strategy. To make an informed decision when securing coverage, you should:





    

  1. Compare policies
    2. 




  2. Regularly assess your business needs
    3. 




  3. Consult a professional for guidance
    4. 






It’s crucial to understand the available policy types before choosing a specific one.





Navigating OMS malpractice coverage options





There are two main malpractice policy types OMS can choose from: Occurrence and Claims-made. To decide which one will best meet your needs, you must first understand each policy’s benefits and limitations.





    

  • A Claims-made policy covers claims that are brought against you during the policy period, regardless of when the incident occurred. Your protection ends at the end of the policy term. If you leave a practice or retire, you’ll most likely need to purchase tail coverage.
    • 






    

  • Tail coverage (sometimes called an Extended Reporting Endorsement) keeps you covered for any claims made against you once you stop practicing or end your Claims-made policy. Tail coverage can be expensive, sometimes double or triple your current annual premium.
    • 






    

  • An Occurrence policy covers incidents that occur during the policy period, even if the claim is made after the period ends. Occurrence coverage doesn’t end when the policy ends. If someone files a claim against you, your Occurrence policy from the year of the incident will cover you. Each year you renew your policy, you have a new set of limits to protect you from any future claims that result from incidents occurring that year. 
    • 






Though Occurrence policies are generally more costly upfront than Claims-made policies, when the cost for tail coverage is factored in, Occurrence is often cheaper than Claims-made coverage in the long run.





As your insurance needs evolve over time, you’ll need to review your policy regularly and make adjustments as needed. In doing so, you can ensure you always have the right coverage for your current circumstances.





Cost considerations for each malpractice policy type





The cost of an OMS malpractice policy varies by location, claims history, and other factors. Claims-made policies typically cost less during the first year, while rates increase annually as the policy progresses. 





Conversely, the cost of an Occurrence policy can be higher at first, but over time, the premiums are more stable and predictable, often making Occurrence coverage more affordable in the long run.





Solo vs oral group surgery practice 





Understanding your specific role within a practice will help you determine which policy type and limits best apply to your situation.





Owning a practice





As owner of your practice, you are often a marketer, HR manager, CFO, and CEO. Much of your own time, energy, and money go into building your practice. Consequently, your practice, just like you, can be named in a malpractice lawsuit. 





There are two main business entity malpractice coverage types: Separate Limits Coverage and Shared Limits Coverage. 





    

  • Separate Limits Coverage allows defense costs and indemnity payments to be paid on behalf of your practice ­separately from your individual policy limits. You may qualify for this option if you own all or a portion of your practice.
    • 






    

  • Shared Limits Coverage means defense costs and indemnity payments will be paid on behalf of both you and your practice under one shared set of limits. This may be the right option for you if you have a solo corporation with no employed or contracted associates.
    • 






MedPro Group offers competitive business entity malpractice insurance solutions to help protect you and your practice. 





Joining an OMS group practice as an associate





Associate OMS, employed by practice owners, may get malpractice coverage from their group practice. To better understand the coverage terms set by your employer, request a copy of the policy.





Whether you’re full-time or part-time, your employer's policy may not satisfy your coverage needs. Depending on employer preference, you may be able to purchase individual coverage out of your own pocket.





Retiring from an OMS practice





As a retired OMS, you remain at risk for malpractice claims, even years after you leave practice. Tail coverage is especially important at this stage in your career if you were previously covered under a Claims-made policy. 





Some carriers, like MedPro Group, offer free tail upon retirement, regardless of your age. To qualify for free tail upon retirement with MedPro, you must:





    

  • Be fully retired
    • 




  • Have a retroactive date at least 48 months prior to the date of retirement
    • 




  • Be insured by the company for 12 months on a mature Claims-made policy
    • 






With free tail from MedPro, you can retire earlier with peace of mind.





Other malpractice policy factors for OMS to consider





Consider these additional aspects of a policy before signing on the dotted line.





Policy limits: The maximum amount an insurer is willing to pay for a claim filed against you.





    

  • For Claims-made coverage, you must renew your policy annually to remain protected by claims, even if the incident happened in the past when you had coverage.
    • 






    

  • Occurrence coverage provides a separate set of limits for each year you buy the policy. These limits never expire. If someone files a claim, you will still be covered by your policy from the year of the incident.
    • 






No matter the coverage type, make sure your limits are high enough to protect you throughout your career. Certain risks are better supported by higher limits. Consult an insurance expert to determine how high your limits should be to best suit your practice.





Additional coverages: Added policy benefits such as cyber liability, HIPAA coverage, audit coverage, and billing errors coverage. Remember to check these add-ons to ensure your practice is protected with the necessary additional coverages.





Pure consent provision: A detail on your insurance policy that determines whether you have the right to refuse to settle a claim. Make sure the consent provision in your policy gives you that power without exceptions.





Learn more about how these factors play into choosing a policy in our Guide to Malpractice Insurance.





Need additional support? MedPro Group is here to help.





Before deciding on a policy, it's wise to consult a professional who specializes in malpractice insurance for OMS. Experts at MedPro can help you navigate the complexities of choosing a policy so that you’re confident in your decision. With over 125 years of malpractice experience, you can rest assured knowing MedPro Group will protect your good name.





To get started, schedule a free consultation or get a quote today.


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Additional Coverage content

Choosing the Right Malpractice Policy as an OMS

As an OMS, malpractice insurance is crucial to your career. Explore this article to learn the different policy types available for your protection.

This document does not constitute legal or medical advice and should not be construed as rules or establishing a standard of care. Because the facts applicable to your situation may vary, or the laws applicable in your jurisdiction may differ, please contact your attorney or other professional advisors if you have any questions related to your legal or medical obligations or rights, state or federal laws, contract interpretation, or other legal questions.

MedPro Group is the marketing name used to refer to the insurance operations of The Medical Protective Company, Princeton Insurance Company, PLICO, Inc. and MedPro RRG Risk Retention Group. All insurance products are underwritten and administered by these and other Berkshire Hathaway affiliates, including National Fire & Marine Insurance Company. Product availability is based upon business and/or regulatory approval and/or may differ among companies.

© MedPro Group Inc. All rights reserved.