Why do licensed practical nurses (LPNs) need insurance?
If you're accused of neglect or wrongful death, the legal costs could be staggering. Malpractice insurance and other policies can help pay for attorney's fees, accidental damage to a patient's belongings, and work-related injuries, giving you the peace of mind to focus on your job.
Find affordable coverage
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) can save money on insurance by comparing quotes from top providers.
Fill out Insureon's easy online application to get free quotes and advice from a licensed insurance agent.
What types of insurance do licensed practical nurses need?
These insurance policies cover common risks faced by LPNs and LVNs.
Professional liability / medical malpractice
Nurse malpractice insurance covers legal defense costs related to professional negligence, such as failure to monitor a patient. It’s also called professional liability insurance.
- Documentation errors
- Mistakes in medications
- Failure to follow standard of care
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers' comp for businesses that have employees. It also helps cover work-related medical bills for LPNs and LVNs who work independently, which health insurance could deny.
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Legal fees from employee injuries
Business owner’s policy
A business owner's policy, or BOP, is a cost-effective way for licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses to buy commercial property insurance and general liability coverage together.
- Accidents that harm a patient
- Damaged patient property
- Stolen or damaged business property
General liability insurance
This type of LPN insurance covers legal defense costs from third-party accidents, such as an elderly patient who slips and suffers an injury. It's often required for a commercial lease.
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Accidental damage to patient property
- Libel and other personal injuries
Cyber insurance
This policy helps LPNs and LVNs pay costs associated with data breaches and cyberattacks. It can often be added to a business owner's policy or general liability policy for savings.
- Customer notification costs
- Data breach investigations
- HIPAA data breach fines
Commercial auto insurance
Most states require commercial auto insurance for vehicles owned by a nursing professional's business. It provides financial reimbursement in the event of an accident involving your business vehicle.
- Damage caused by your vehicle
- Medical bills from an auto accident
- Vehicle theft and vandalism
How much does business insurance cost for nursing professionals?
A licensed practical nurse who works independently will pay less for insurance than a larger practice.
Factors that affect premiums include:
- Professional services and scope of practice, such as telemedicine
- Medical equipment and property
- Business income
- Business location
- Years of experience
- Types of insurance purchased
- Per-occurrence and aggregate liability limits
- Deductibles
How do I get LPN malpractice insurance and other policies?
It's easy to get business insurance for licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses if you have your company information on hand. Our application will ask for basic facts about your practice, 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:
- Complete a free online application
- Compare insurance quotes and choose policies
- Pay for your policy and download a certificate
Insureon's licensed insurance agents work with top-rated U.S. providers to find the right insurance plan for nurses, caregivers, and other healthcare providers, whether you work independently or hire employees.
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FAQs about licensed practical nurse business insurance
Why do licensed practical nurses need medical malpractice insurance?
Accusations of professional negligence can cost a fortune in court, which is why malpractice insurance, also called professional liability coverage, is such an important part of risk management for LPNs and LVNs. There are several reasons why you might need to carry this insurance coverage:
- Your employer may require it. The healthcare facility you work for may require you to carry malpractice coverage, even if it's not required by state law.
- Your employer's coverage may be limited. Your employer might provide coverage that is effective only in certain situations or for smaller claims, or you might prefer to have your own legal representation.
- Independent contractors are not covered. If you work as an independent contractor, your employer's policy will not provide coverage and you will need to secure your own nurse liability insurance.
Keep in mind that medical malpractice insurance is usually a claims-made policy instead of an occurrence-based policy. That means it only provides coverage for malpractice claims filed while the policy is active.
Fortunately, it's possible to save money on malpractice insurance costs. Insureon's easy online application lets you compare quotes to find the best possible rate. You can customize your coverage options to match your specific needs and your budget.
How do I become a licensed practical or licensed vocational nurse?
Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses are both entry-level licensed nurses who provide basic patient care in a variety of settings. The difference is where they're licensed: most states call this type of nurse an LPN, but California and Texas use the job title of LVN.
To gain either nursing license, you'll need to complete the specific requirements outlined by your state. Typically, the application process includes:
- A one-year educational program with supervised clinical experience
- Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN)
The license must be renewed every two to four years, depending on your state.