Update on Medical Liability Insurance Availability in Montana with Planned Departure by Curi
Jean Branscum, MMA CEO (4/05/2026) Montana physicians are experiencing an important shift in the medical liability insurance landscape with the sudden announcement of the planned exit from the Montana market by Curi Insurance on August 1, 2026.
MMA recognizes that this transition creates uncertainty for many practices and retired physicians who have UMIA Insurance, Inc. and MMIC Insurance, Inc. policies. UMIA/Curi has been a valued partner to physicians, providing stable coverage and a strong understanding of the unique challenges of practicing medicine in Montana.
MMA is committed to assist its members navigate this change, get answers to questions and secure the necessary coverage. “We are disappointed to see a long-standing medical liability carrier leave Montana. Their presence contributed to stability in a challenging market, and their departure is a reminder that continued attention to Montana’s liability environment is essential to maintaining access to care,” stated Jean Branscum, MMA CEO.
Physicians are receiving notices in April that Curi Insurance will exit the Montana market effective August 1, 2026. The notice stated that practices and facilities with UMIA Insurance, Inc. and MMIC Insurance, Inc. policies will not have those policies renewed as of the next renewal date, if your current policy term expires August 1 or later.
Coverage Options Available to Montana Physicians
Physicians should know that viable, reputable coverage options remain available. MMA reached out to other valued partners actively writing policies in the state who indicate a willingness to partner with physicians to avoid disruption in coverage.
While MMA does not endorse any carriers, MMA has appreciated a partnership with several established carriers who continue to write policies in Montana, including:
· Copic
· Mutual Insurance Company of Arizona (MICA)
These organizations have experience serving physicians in Western states and offer a range of coverage options depending on specialty, practice size, and risk profile.
MMA encourages members to begin discussions early with brokers or carriers to ensure continuity of coverage and to evaluate the best fit for their individual practice needs.
A Broader Issue: Stability Requires Ongoing Action
The departure of a carrier underscores a broader reality: a stable and competitive medical liability insurance market does not happen by accident.
Montana has made meaningful progress through prior tort reforms, which have helped moderate risk and maintain access to coverage. This includes successful passage of legislation in 2025 to modernize laws related to the noneconomic damages cap. However, continued vigilance is necessary.
“A strong and stable liability environment is directly tied to patient access to care. Montana must remain committed to thoughtful, balanced tort reform to ensure physicians can continue to practice—and patients can continue to receive care—across our state, especially in rural and frontier communities,” stated Dr. Nicole Clark, M.D., MMA Legislation, Legal, and Legislative Affairs Committee Chair.
The Montana Medical Association will continue to monitor insurance market conditions, engage with policymakers on liability and tort reform issues and advocate for policies that support a stable practice environment.
If you need assistance navigating coverage options or identifying contacts, MMA is available to help connect you with resources.
MMA membership matters and provides the resources needed to actively engage and advocate on issues impacting physician practices and how you deliver patient care. Join MMA at https://montana-medical-association.constantcontactsites.com/