Physician Contract Glossary · Malpractice & Insurance
Occurrence Policy
An occurrence malpractice policy covers any incident that happened during the policy period regardless of when the claim is filed, so no tail is needed.
An occurrence policy covers any incident that took place while the policy was active, no matter when the claim is actually filed, even years after you leave. That means no tail coverage is ever required. It costs more per year than claims-made, which is why it is less common, but it eliminates the departure tail risk entirely and is genuinely simpler to leave behind.
If you are offered occurrence coverage, recognize the value: no tail liability when you leave. When comparing to a claims-made offer, factor the future tail cost into the comparison, not just the annual premium.
Related terms
The PGY-Final-Year Path
One term is one piece. Here is the whole map.
See every option
Browse 53,000+ vetted physician-owned practices across 51 jurisdictions and 28 specialties.
STEP 02Read what you are signing
The Real Contract walks you through the clauses on this page, line by line.
STEP 03Sign with a guide
Find a physician contract attorney in your state before you sign anything.
Stop being recruited. Start choosing.
You are about to sign something the senior people in your program signed without reading.
They had no guide either. You do. Start with the option that costs you nothing: see every practice that is actually out there before anyone hands you a contract.
Contact Lawyers in Arizona
Ā
Disclaimer: The use of the internet or this form for communication with any firm or any individual member of a firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.