Physical Therapist Insurance

Physical Therapist
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Why do physical therapists need business insurance?

Physical therapists combat injuries with exercise, but accidents are bound to happen. Physical therapy clinics and solo practitioners need to be prepared for malpractice suits, injuries—even cyberattacks. Business insurance covers unexpected costs so you can focus on your work. Some policies may be required by state laws or the terms of a commercial lease.

Physical therapist helping treat a patient.
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One application, multiple quotes

Insureon helps physical therapists compare small business insurance quotes from top U.S. carriers online.

Get multiple quotes, and peace of mind, with a single easy online application.

What types of business insurance do physical therapists need?

These insurance policies cover the most common risks of physical therapy.

General liability insurance icon

General liability insurance

A general liability policy covers basic third-party risks, such as an injury from a patient tripping in your office. It's often required for commercial leases.

BEST FOR
  • Patient bodily injuries
  • Damaged patient property
  • Libel and other advertising injuries
Business owner’s policy icon

Business owner’s policy

A BOP bundles commercial property insurance and general liability coverage under one plan. It's often the most cost-effective type of commercial insurance for physical therapists.

BEST FOR
  • Slip-and-fall accidents
  • Damaged patient property
  • Business property damage and theft
Workers’ compensation insurance icon

Workers’ compensation insurance

Most states require workers' comp for physical therapy businesses that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.

BEST FOR
  • Employee medical expenses
  • Disability benefits
  • Lawsuits over employee injuries
Medical malpractice icon

Professional liability / medical malpractice

A professional liability insurance policy covers legal defense costs if a patient sues a PT or PTA for a work mistake, such as advice that worsens an injury. It's also called malpractice insurance.

BEST FOR
  • Failure to improve a client’s condition
  • Accusations of negligence
  • Mistakes or oversights
Commercial auto insurance icon

Commercial auto insurance

Most states require commercial auto insurance for vehicles owned by a physical therapy clinic. It helps cover the cost of an accident involving your business vehicle.

BEST FOR
  • Damage caused by your vehicle
  • Medical bills from an auto accident
  • Vehicle theft and vandalism
Cyber insurance icon

Cyber insurance

This policy helps physical therapy clinics survive data breaches and cyberattacks. It can often be added to a business owner's policy or general liability policy to save money.

BEST FOR
  • Customer notification expenses
  • Data breach lawsuits
  • Fraud monitoring costs
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.

How much does business insurance cost for physical therapists?

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A small physical therapy clinic will pay less for insurance than a larger business.

Factors that affect the pricing of your premium include:

How do I get physical therapist insurance?

It's easy to get physical therapy business insurance if you have your company information on hand. Our application will ask for basic facts about your business, such as revenue and number of employees. You can buy a policy online and get a certificate of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:

  1. Complete a free online application.
  2. Compare insurance quotes and choose policies.
  3. Pay for your policy and download a certificate.

Insureon's licensed insurance agents work with top-rated A.M. Best insurance companies—such as The Hartford, CM&F Group, and more—to find the right insurance coverage for your physical therapy clinic, whether you're self-employed or hire employees.

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FAQs about insurance for physical therapists

Review answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about physical therapy liability insurance and more.

Do you need malpractice insurance as a physical therapist?

Physical therapy practices aren’t always required by state law to carry malpractice insurance, but it’s still a smart—and sometimes necessary—part of protecting your career.

Many employers, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies, require PTs to carry their own professional liability insurance coverage. Some state licensing boards or payer networks may also mandate coverage.

Even when you’re not required to have it, malpractice insurance is an important piece of your risk management plan. Physical therapists provide hands-on treatment and personalized care plans, which means patients rely on your clinical judgment and skill.

If a patient believes you caused an injury, worsened a condition, or failed to meet the accepted standard of care, you could face a malpractice claim.

Insurance helps shield you from the financial impact of malpractice lawsuits, attorney fees, and settlements, giving you the freedom to focus on helping patients recover safely.

What other insurance coverage should physical therapists carry?

General liability and malpractice insurance protect physical therapists from many of the common risks they face. However, there are additional options to consider as part of your risk management plan for comprehensive coverage:

  • Telehealth coverage can be added to your professional liability insurance to extend protection to virtual evaluations, follow-up visits, and patient guidance delivered through telehealth platforms.
  • License defense coverage helps pay for legal fees and other costs if a liability claim or investigation is filed against your physical therapy license. This coverage is often available as an add-on to your malpractice or professional liability coverage.
  • Needlestick or occupational accident insurance (OAI) protects PTs who work in healthcare settings where sharps or bodily fluid exposure may occur. It helps cover medical care and related expenses after an exposure incident.
  • HIPAA defense coverage can be included in your professional liability policy to provide protection for HIPAA violations, including investigations, fines, and penalties related to improper handling of patient information.

This mix of coverage options helps PTs safeguard their practice, their license, and their financial wellbeing.

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