Medical Liability Monitor Publishes 2026 Annual Rate Survey, Finds Modest Premium Increases Despite Mounting Pressures

October 22, 2026 by matray

Medical professional liability insurance rates increased an average of just 1.8% in 2026, despite mounting concerns about claim severity, underwriting profitability and other pressures facing the industry, according to the newly published Medical Liability Monitor Annual Rate Survey.

Now in its 36th year, the Annual Rate Survey provides a comprehensive examination of medical malpractice insurance pricing across the United States, comparing premiums by insurer, state, county and medical specialty.

The 1.8% national average increase was slightly below the 1.9% recorded in 2025, continuing a period of relatively modest rate changes even as insurers confront rising liability costs.

Approximately 38% of rates reported to the Survey increased in 2026, compared with 35% in 2025. Another 53% remained unchanged, while 9% decreased.

The findings come as the medical professional liability (MPL) insurance industry continues to face underwriting challenges. The industry's combined ratio deteriorated to 107.4% in 2025, marking its 12th consecutive year of underwriting losses.

At the same time, competition for market share has prompted some insurers to reduce premiums, raising questions about the sustainability of current pricing strategies.

The Survey's Executive Summary, titled "MPL Pricing: Meet the New Rates, Same as the Old Rates," examines the apparent disconnect between rising liability costs and restrained premium increases, exploring what current market conditions may signal for the industry's future.

What the 2026 Annual Rate Survey Covers

Published in cooperation with the Medical Professional Liability Association, the Survey examines mature claims-made premium rates for internal medicine, general surgery and obstetrics/gynecology, with coverage limits of $1 million per claim and $3 million annually.

For the second consecutive year, the Survey also includes medical malpractice insurance rates for nurse practitioners, allowing for comparative analysis of pricing trends in this growing segment of the healthcare workforce.

Beyond its detailed physician premium comparisons, the 2026 Survey examines pricing conditions across four major segments of the MPL marketplace: physicians, hospitals, other healthcare professionals and other healthcare facilities.

Additional analysis explores:

• Insurer competition and underwriting profitability
• Medical malpractice claim severity and social inflation
• Reinsurance pricing and market conditions
• The growing influence of artificial intelligence
• Regulatory rate filings and insurer pricing strategies
• Emerging pressures affecting the broader MPL marketplace

The Survey reports premium rates effective July 1, 2026, and also examines regulatory filings that may signal future pricing changes.

How to Purchase the 2026 Annual Rate Survey

The 2026 Annual Rate Survey is available for individual purchase or as part of an annual subscription to Medical Liability Monitor.

Purchase the Annual Rate Survey individually: Readers who want the 2026 Survey without an annual subscription can select the stand-alone purchase option.

Digital subscription — $499 annually: Includes the Annual Rate Survey and 12 monthly issues of Medical Liability Monitor delivered digitally.

Digital plus hardcopy subscription — $599 annually: Includes the Annual Rate Survey and 12 monthly issues in both digital and print formats.

Discounts are available for multiple subscriptions.

Purchase the 2026 Annual Rate Survey or Subscribe to Medical Liability Monitor For additional information or assistance with purchasing, contact editor@medicalliabilitymonitor.com.