Medical malpractice insurance is a type of professional liability insurance for physicians and other healthcare providers. In the event of an allegation of negligence or a lawsuit, medical malpractice insurance will cover expenses, including defense attorney fees, court costs and any settlements or judgments. Without malpractice insurance, physicians and healthcare providers can find themselves having to pay personally for these expenses, in addition to being held personally liable for any settlements or judgments resulting from a lawsuit. Many states require physicians (and often other healthcare workers) to have medical malpractice insurance.