Do Veterinarians Need Professional Liability Insurance If They Already Have General Liability?

What Is Professional Liability Insurance for Vets?

Professional liability insurance—also known as malpractice insurance or errors and omissions (E&O)—protects veterinarians when a client accuses them of making a mistake in the course of treatment or providing substandard care.

It covers:

• Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose

• Surgical or treatment errors

• Medication mistakes

• Negligence in care or advice

• Failure to obtain informed consent

Without it, your clinic could be exposed to lawsuits—even if you did nothing wrong.

General Liability Won’t Protect You from Professional Claims

General liability protects against:

• Slip and falls

• Property damage you cause to others

• Advertising injury (like libel or slander)

But it does not protect you when someone says, “You gave my dog the wrong medication,” or “You didn’t diagnose this illness soon enough.” Those kinds of claims fall outside the scope of general liability.

What Does a Professional Liability Policy Cover?

Veterinary-specific professional liability policies typically include:

• Legal defense costs (even if the claim is unfounded)

• Settlements or judgments

• Claims arising from both past and current staff

• Coverage for board complaints or licensing issues

For Louisiana vets, this is especially important because malpractice lawsuits—even when small—can be costly and stressful. And with the state’s unique legal environment, it’s better to be overprepared than underprotected.

Real-World Scenarios Where It Matters

Even great vets have bad days—or bad outcomes. These are examples of what might be covered:

• A surgical complication leads to unexpected death

• A pet has an allergic reaction to a prescribed drug

• The owner says your advice delayed life-saving treatment

• You’re accused of neglecting post-operative care

• A complaint is filed with the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine

Even if you believe you did everything right, you’ll still need to defend yourself—and that’s where the policy kicks in.

Is It Expensive?

Surprisingly, professional liability coverage is often affordable, especially when bundled with your other business insurance. The cost depends on:

• Your number of employees

• Services offered (e.g., surgery, emergency care)

• Claims history

• Clinic size

A quick conversation with your insurance agent can give you an accurate quote without hassle.

Do You Need Both General and Professional Liability?

Yes. Think of them as two sides of the same coin:

• General liability = protects you from physical accidents and damages.

• Professional liability = protects you from allegations of professional wrongdoing.

Without both, you’re exposed.

Protecting Your Practice—and Your Reputation

Veterinary clinics are built on trust. One lawsuit—even if it’s bogus—can tarnish your reputation and shake your business.

At Kastner Insurance, we specialize in helping Louisiana veterinary professionals protect their practices. From Lafayette to Baton Rouge and across Acadiana, we provide tailored coverage that fits your real risks—not just what looks good on paper.

Need help reviewing your current policy or adding professional liability to your coverage? Contact Kastner Insurance today and protect your clinic from the risks that general liability leaves behind.

About Kastner Insurance Group