Medical malpractice insurance is essential for protecting physicians and surgeons from the high costs associated with malpractice claims. While it covers critical expenses such as legal defense, settlements, and judgments stemming from allegations of negligence or errors, it does not extend to income protection if you face career interruptions unrelated to malpractice. Just as some states provide limited short-term disability benefits—such as New York’s cap of $170 per week or California’s maximum of $1,129 per week—these amounts are often insufficient to address significant financial needs.