I have heard it is possible sometimes to buy "nose" coverage-- baseically the opposite of a tail, where your new policy will also cover any potential claims from your old job. I think it is pretty expensive as well, and I don't know how changing fields would affect that.

I've been told some large employers will cover the tail, sort of as a sign on bonus, but it may require moving. Have you asked your insurer if they will offer a free tail if you work for the government/military/state/CHC, etc?

I faced the same problem and ended up having to move to join a huge group practice that offered to pay my tail as a sign on bonus.

Interestingly, I did sit on a hospital Medical Committee which reviewed applicants for privileges and they DID allow a doctor on who had refused to pay tail in the past.

However, I have applied for jobs that will NOT accept an applicant who has not paid tail. They do not want to risk having to deal with a doctor going through the time/stress/financial strain dealing with a law suit if one comes up (when covered docs have the insurance company dealing with it for them for the most part).

Well, it has been resolved! My new employer had to purchase prior acts tail for the new medmal to cover me. Of course I had to agree to purchase a tail after this job. But at LEAST I am prepared for it! This is a smaller practice, part time thing, so it can't afford to pay tail in the end either, but if I am here long term I can anticipate that expense.

THanks for everyone's comments and suggestions. I think we have all learned a lot through this!

Thank you for the valuable update.

Good luck!!!! So, your new job is part time? How does it work?

Congrats on the new job! Part time too, that's great. Hope it goes well!