What is Locum Tenens?
Locum tenens refers to temporary healthcare professionals—physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other clinicians—who fill short-term assignments at hospitals, clinics, long‑term care facilities or private practices. Insurance for locum tenens helps protect both the clinician and the host facility from professional liability, general liability, and other operational exposures while a temporary placement is in effect.
Who needs it
Clinicians who work on assignment, staffing agencies that place temporary medical staff, and facilities that host short-term providers commonly seek locum tenens coverage. Small clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and staffing firms all face professional liability, workers' compensation and commercial auto exposure when clinicians travel between sites.
What it typically covers
Policies vary, but locum tenens insurance commonly includes:
- Professional liability (medical malpractice) for claims arising from patient care
- General liability for bodily injury or property damage at the site
- Limited workers’ compensation or participant accident coverage during assignments
- Commercial auto coverage when driving for work duties (if applicable)
- Defense costs and indemnity up to policy limits
Agencies and facilities often combine these with risk management practices and may add limits or endorsements to address equipment coverage or facility risks.
Common exclusions or limitations
Typical exclusions include intentional wrongdoing, criminal acts, certain prior acts or claims known before coverage, and care provided outside the scope of the assignment. Some policies limit coverage for telemedicine, specialized procedures, or care delivered in high‑risk environments. Underwriting factors may lead insurers to exclude particular services or impose reduced limits.
Factors that influence cost
Premiums depend on experience, specialty, claims history, assignment location, length of placements, and limits chosen. High‑risk specialties, frequent interstate travel, or placements in underserved or resource‑limited facilities may raise rates. Risk management practices, such as credentialing processes and supervision, can help lower cost.
Proof of insurance & compliance
Facilities typically request certificates of insurance and may require additional insured status, contractual liability endorsements, or evidence of malpractice limits. Staffing firms should maintain clear documentation for each clinician and confirm coverage meets the host’s requirements. For guidance on staffing and benefits exposures, see Employment and Benefits Risk Summary: Staffing Cybersecurity, Health Coverage Reporting, Fiduciary Liability, Wage Compliance, and for cyber and health benefits considerations in temporary staffing, review Cyber Risks and Health Benefits in Temporary Staffing Agencies.
How to get a quote
When requesting quotes, be ready to provide clinician credentials, specialties, estimated assignment duration, locations, and any prior claims. Discuss coverage limits, defense provisions, and whether the host facility needs to be added as an additional insured. If you're unsure which limits or endorsements are appropriate, ask your agent to compare options and clarify requirements for contracts and credentialing.
Risk scenario: a locum physician traveling to a rural clinic treats a patient with unexpected complications—professional liability and clear documentation of the assignment help determine coverage and responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do locum tenens clinicians need their own malpractice policy?
Often yes—many clinicians maintain individual professional liability coverage. Some staffing firms provide coverage, but you should confirm who is primary and whether the host facility requires additional insured status.
How long does coverage last for a single assignment?
Coverage duration depends on the policy and the assignment terms. Policies can be written per assignment, on an annual basis, or as part of a staffing firm’s master policy with specific assignment endorsements.
Will travel between sites be covered under the policy?
Travel may be covered under commercial auto or professional policies if the trip is for an assignment, but coverage limits and conditions vary. Confirm whether personal auto use, mileage, or transportation-for-pay exclusions apply.
Still have questions? Talk to a local insurance expert.