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Insurance for MRI Centers

Insurance for MRI centers 

The risk for MRI centers is unique. Powerful magnetic fields, contrast reactions, patient screening oversights, or scan interpretation errors can lead to injuries, burns, projectile incidents, or misdiagnoses with serious clinical consequences. Insurance for MRI centers must address both clinical exposures (negligence in scanning, contrast administration, reporting delays) and premises risks (magnet safety hazards, equipment failures, data breaches).

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Whether you operate a standalone MRI facility, multi-modality imaging center, or hospital-based outpatient department, the right insurance program is crucial to protect your expensive equipment, patients, and staff from diagnostic imaging liabilities.

Homewood Insurance Group partners with top carriers to deliver tailored General Liability and Professional Liability coverage for MRI centers at competitive rates.

Contact us today for a fast, no-obligation quote customized to your center.

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Insurance for MRI Centers can include:

  • Bodily Injury Coverage
  • Property Damage Coverage
  • Premises Liability including slips, trips, and falls
  • Completed Operations Coverage
  • Personal and Advertising Injury including Defamation (slander or libel)
  • Medical Payments Coverage
  • Legal Defense Costs
  • Legal defense expenses covered in addition to liability limits
  • Abuse and Molestation (SAM) Coverage (limited coverage)

Insurance for MRI Centers can include:

Malpractice or liability insurance can provide essential protection against these risks:

  1. Professional Liability (Malpractice) Insurance

    1. Coverage for interpretation errors, missed findings, or delayed reports leading to misdiagnosis or treatment delays.
    2. Protection against claims of inadequate patient screening, failing to identify contraindications (e.g., pacemakers, implants).
    3. Liability for contrast reactions, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, or improper gadolinium administration.
    4. Claims involving technical errors, poor image quality, or protocol deviations affecting diagnostic accuracy.
    5. Defense for communication failures, such as results sent to wrong providers or incomplete critical findings alerts.
    6. Coverage for teleradiology or remote reading services when applicable.
    7. Optional extensions for multi-modality operations (CT, ultrasound) or research/clinical trials.
    8. Policy limits typically up to $1,000,000 per claim / $3,000,000 aggregate, with prior-acts and tail coverage available.
    9.  

  2. General Liability Insurance

    1. Third-party bodily injury coverage for slip-and-fall incidents in waiting areas, scan rooms, or during patient transfers.
    2. Protection for injuries from magnetic field hazards, projectile incidents, or equipment malfunctions.
    3. Property damage liability for accidental harm to patient belongings (e.g., credit cards, jewelry demagnetized) or facility structures.
    4. Personal and advertising injury coverage, including defamation or misleading marketing about scan capabilities.
    5. Coverage for mobile MRI units or off-site services when scheduled.
    6. Cyber liability endorsement for breaches involving PACS systems or patient records.
    7. Equipment breakdown or inland marine options for scanner protection (often separate).
    8. Standard limits commonly at $1,000,000 per occurrence / $3,000,000 aggregate, with umbrella options for high-value centers

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The Cost of Insurance for MRI Centers:

Costs are quoted annually unless noted, assuming no prior claims and standard endorsements. Higher field strength (3T+), contrast usage, or teleradiology volume can add 25–70% surcharges, as carriers scrutinize magnetic safety and diagnostic accuracy risks.

Professional Liability (PL / Malpractice) – Estimated Ranges

  • Often around $3,000 – $7,000 per year for a single-scanner center with a clean record and $1M / $3M limits.

  • Centers with high-volume contrast studies, open MRI, or past incidents may face surcharges of 30–70% or specialty programs.

General Liability Insurance – Estimated Ranges:

  • Approx. $1,200 – $2,500 per year for a moderate-traffic facility with standard $1M / $3M limits.

  • Higher for multi-scanner sites, mobile units, or strong magnet safety concerns.

Bundled GL + PL or package policies:

  • Approx. $1,200 – $2,500 per year for a moderate-traffic facility with standard $1M / $3M limits.

  • Higher for multi-scanner sites, mobile units, or strong magnet safety concerns.

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Why do MRI Centers need Insurance?

Despite the non-invasive nature of MRI scans MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Centers face specific challenges that necessitate the need for malpractice or liability insurance. Here are key areas where MRI Centers are vulnerable to being sued for malpractice:

  1. Diagnostic Errors: Incorrect interpretation of MRI results can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, potentially causing harm to patients through inappropriate treatment plans or missed treatment opportunities.
  2. Patient Safety Incidents: MRI uses powerful magnets, which pose unique safety risks. Incidents can occur if metallic objects are brought into the MRI suite, leading to injuries. Patients with implants not compatible with MRI can also be at risk if proper screening procedures are not followed.
  3. Contrast Agent Reactions: Some MRI procedures use contrast agents to improve image clarity. Patients can have allergic reactions or adverse effects from these agents, for which centers can be held liable if proper screening and emergency response measures are not in place.
  4. Inadequate Patient Communication and Consent: Failure to properly inform patients about the procedure, potential risks, and obtain informed consent can lead to claims, especially if the patient experiences unexpected complications or outcomes.
  5. Technical and Equipment Failures: Malfunctions or improper use of MRI equipment can lead to inaccurate results or patient harm. Facilities are responsible for ensuring equipment is properly maintained and operated by trained professionals.
  6. Data Privacy and Confidentiality Breaches: MRI centers handle sensitive patient data and images. Unauthorized disclosure of patient information can result in lawsuits for breaching confidentiality and privacy laws.
  7. Failure to Follow Referring Physician Instructions: Miscommunication between MRI centers and referring physicians regarding the scope or area of interest for the scan can result in incomplete diagnostic information, potentially impacting patient care.
  8. Claustrophobia and Patient Distress: Given the enclosed nature of MRI machines, patients can experience claustrophobia or distress during the scan. Failure to adequately manage patient comfort and anxiety can lead to negative experiences and claims of psychological harm.

Malpractice or liability insurance provides financial protection against claims of negligence or malpractice, covering legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments. For MRI Centers, this insurance is crucial for mitigating the financial risks associated with providing high-stakes diagnostic services.

Homewood Insurance work with a number of different carriers, to source the most suitable insurance coverage for you at the best price. Click here to get a quick quote today

MedPro Group
Core Specialty
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Travelers Insurance
CFC Underwriting
Applied Underwriters
Tokyo Marine Insurance Group
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AIG Insurance
Ironshore
Strategic Comp
MagMutual
Genstar
Beazley
Empro Insurance
Great American Insurance
Skyward Specialty Insurance
Hudson Insurance Group
Huntersure Insurance
MIG Insurance
Kinsale Insurance

High-Risk Procedures and their Impact on your Premiums

Procedure / Risk Type Description & Risks Insurance Impact
Patient Screening Failures Missing metallic implants, pacemakers, or foreign bodies leading to projectile incidents or device malfunctions. Potentially catastrophic; PL premiums rise 40–70% without multi-step screening and ferromagnet detectors.
Contrast Administration Allergic reactions, gadolinium deposition, or nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in at-risk patients. High-severity claims; adds 30–60% to rates unless protocols include renal screening and consent.
Magnetic Field Hazards Burns from conductive loops, torque on implants, or acoustic noise causing hearing issues. Unique MRI exposure; surcharges 25–50% emphasizing zoning and staff training.
Interpretation Errors Missed abnormalities or overcalls leading to delayed treatment or unnecessary procedures. Common diagnostic claim; increases PL 20–45% without double reads or peer review.
Claustrophobia & Sedation Anxiety reactions requiring sedation with risks of respiratory depression in closed scanners. Elevates exposure for non-open MRI; 25–45% surcharge with sedation protocols.
Equipment Quench Events Sudden loss of superconductivity releasing helium gas, risking asphyxiation or facility damage. Rare but severe; often requires property endorsements and adds 20–40% to overall costs.

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What types of Insurance do MRI Centers need?

 
General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance

General Liability covers medical expenses and attorney fees which result from bodily injuries and property damage that your facility or organization could be legally responsible for.
 
 
Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance

Also known as malpractice insurance, this  protects facilities against claims related to malpractice, negligence, or injury resulting from resident care. Staff members will typically be covered by professional liability insurance.
 
 
sexual-molestation

Sexual Abuse and Molestation Insurance

Provides coverage for your MRI center against claims arising from alleged sexual misconduct or molestation by an employee or other representative of your organization. Essential for the senior living industry.
 
 
Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial Property Insurance

This protects your facility against damage or loss to your buildings, equipment, and other property, which can happen as the result of various risks such as fire, theft, or vandalism.
 
 
workers compensation insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance is usually mandated by law. It protects MRI centers and employees in case of work-related injuries or illnesses.
 
 
Cyber Liability Insurance

Cyber Liability Insurance

Covers you against financial losses associated with data breaches, cyber attacks, and other cyber incidents. Insurers will usually conduct rigorous testing of your online system to fix vulnerabilities as part of this policy.
 

Why Work With Homewood

MRI centers manage powerful magnetic and diagnostic risks that standard imaging policies often under address. At Homewood, we help you:

  • Connect with carriers experienced in advanced diagnostics, avoiding generic plans that exclude magnet safety or contrast exposures.
  • Tailor coverage to your scanner type and volume—closed, open, 3T, or mobile—ensuring high-risk elements like screening are fully covered.
  • Strengthen applications with your ACR accreditation, safety protocols, quench plans, and staff training for competitive rates.
  • Build flexible programs for growth—adding scanners, contrast studies, or teleradiology without gaps.
  • Optimize deductibles, limits, and add-ons like cyber, equipment breakdown, or umbrella to meet regulatory and lender requirements.

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Ralph Schiller

Ralph Schiller

Ralph specializes in sourcing the most suitable insurance for MRI Centers at the best price. You can call him or fill out the form and he will get your message directly.