I know of a retired surgeon, and his situation highlighted just how critical tail coverage can be. The surgeon had retired in 2020 after a long and distinguished career. Two years later, in 2022, a former patient filed a malpractice lawsuit stemming from a procedure he had performed back in 2018.
Because the claim was made after his retirement, his active malpractice policy offered no protection. Without extended reporting provisions, he would have been forced to defend the case personally--putting his savings and retirement security at risk.
Fortunately, he had the foresight to purchase tail coverage when he closed his practice. That decision ensured not only a full legal defense but also indemnity coverage for any potential settlement or judgment. In the end, what could have been a financially devastating lawsuit was handled entirely within the scope of his tail coverage.