Veterinary Professional Liability Insurance

Protect Your Practice. Preserve Your Peace of Mind.

Have you ever worried that a single mistake during treatment could threaten your veterinary license or career?

Do you know exactly what your liability policy would and wouldn’t cover if a client filed a claim?

This guide will walk you through the essentials of veterinary professional liability insurance: what it covers, who needs it, and how much you can expect to pay.

By the end, you’ll have the clarity and confidence you need to protect your practice — and your peace of mind.

Veterinarian with pet and client

What Is Veterinary Professional Liability Insurance?

It’s your frontline defense against legal and financial risks.

Veterinary professional liability insurance helps protect licensed vets, vet techs, and animal hospitals against malpractice claims, negligence lawsuits, and defense costs.

Whether it’s a post-surgery infection or a misdiagnosis, your policy is designed to step in when things don’t go as planned.

Do You Need Veterinary Liability Insurance?

If you treat animals, give advice, or manage a clinic — the answer is yes.

You might need this coverage if:

  • You operate a solo or group veterinary practice
  • You’re a mobile vet or do remote consultations
  • You supervise or train vet techs and interns
  • You provide emergency services or complex treatments

Without coverage, one lawsuit could put your entire practice at risk.

Do you need vet liability insurance?
What veterinary liability insurance covers?

What Does Veterinary Liability Insurance Cover?

Here’s what’s typically included — and what’s not.

Covered:

  • Alleged negligence or malpractice
  • Legal defense and court fees
  • Damages awarded in a lawsuit
  • Board investigations and license defense

Not Covered:

  • Intentional harm or misconduct
  • General business liability (get separate coverage)
  • Property damage to your clinic

How Much Does Veterinary Liability Insurance Cost?

Most premiums range from $400–$1,500/year, depending on:

  • Location and type of practice
  • Number of employees covered
  • Claims history and policy limits

Need a fast estimate?

Veterinary insurance cost breakdown

Real-World Protection: Dr. Yang’s Story

When Dr. Yang, a solo vet in Houston, faced a client claim for a post-surgery infection, her liability policy kicked in immediately.

Her carrier assigned a legal team within 24 hours and covered over $12,000 in attorney fees — helping her keep her license, her reputation, and her peace of mind.

“Without that policy, I might have lost everything. With it, I kept my career.”
— Dr. Yang

3 Steps to Get Covered

Protect your practice in less than 10 minutes.

Answer a Few Questions

Tell us about your practice so we can match you with the right policy.

Compare Your Options

Review coverage types, limits, and pricing — no pressure, no calls.

Get Covered Today

Purchase and download your certificate of insurance instantly.

What’s the Cost of Going Uncovered?

One claim could cost you your license, your livelihood, and your legacy.

Veterinary malpractice claims can cost $10,000–$100,000+ in legal fees and settlements.

Without liability insurance, you’d be personally responsible for every dollar — and every sleepless night.

Cost of Going Uncovered

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same as malpractice insurance?

Yes — it’s another name for professional liability in the veterinary field.

What if I already have general liability insurance?

General liability doesn’t cover professional mistakes, advice, or treatments — you need both types of coverage.

How fast can I get coverage?

Most policies are issued instantly. You’ll get proof of insurance right after checkout.

You’ve Worked Hard for Your Veterinary Career — Let’s Help You Keep It Protected

At the end of the day, all veterinarians face unpredictable risks. Whether you’re treating a pet remotely or managing a post-op complication, mistakes can happen.

Now that you understand what veterinary liability insurance covers — and what it can cost — your next step is simple: