What insurance does a podiatrist need?
Not all professions face the same risks. Below is a breakdown of every coverage type relevant to podiatrists — what each one covers, whether it's required, and what you should expect to pay in 2026.
Podiatry MalpracticeRequired
$70–$180/mo
Core protection for DPMs. Covers surgical complications, treatment errors, and diabetic care-related claims.
General LiabilityRequired
$20–$50/mo
Covers patient injuries at your podiatry office.
Cyber Liability
$15–$35/mo
Covers patient record breaches and HIPAA violations.
License Defense
$10–$20/mo
Covers legal costs during state podiatric board investigations.
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Top risks for podiatrists
- Surgical complication
- Diabetic foot care error
- Wound care treatment failure
- Anesthesia complication in office
- Nerve damage from procedure
How much does insurance cost?
Most podiatrists pay $100–$300/month for a complete coverage package. Your exact cost depends on your state, annual revenue, whether you have employees, your claims history, and the coverage limits you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Why do diabetic foot care cases create special liability?
Diabetic patients face serious complications from foot injuries and infections. Podiatrists who treat diabetic patients face heightened malpractice risk — ensure your policy specifically covers diabetic foot care.
Do office-based surgical procedures require special coverage?
Yes. In-office surgery creates additional liability. Confirm your malpractice policy covers the specific procedures you perform in your office, including anesthesia used.
How much malpractice do podiatrists typically carry?
Most DPMs carry $1M/$3M. Podiatric surgeons or those with high surgical volume may carry $2M/$6M.
How to get the best rate
The fastest way to find the lowest rate is to compare multiple carriers side by side. Most podiatrists can get quotes from 3–5 insurers in under 10 minutes and receive their certificate of insurance the same day.