When I first started massage, thirty-plus years ago, I rolled the dice, and I didn’t get massage insurance. I knew it was a risky move. So, after a year of worry, I purchased my first massage insurance policy. But here’s the thing, I bought massage insurance with my eyes closed. And a handful of years later my insurance provider disappeared into thin air. POOF!
At that point, my business had grown (and risk exposure, too), so it made sense for me to do a deep dive into massage insurance. I did, and I found the perfect policy for me. That said, the policy that was perfect for me, may not be the perfect one for you.
So, my goal here is to help you understand the insurance lingo so that you can find the best massage insurance for you. We’ll start by defining what massage insurance is and isn’t.
What Does Massage Insurance Actually Cover?
Massage insurance primarily exists to protect you from the financial fallout of lawsuits or claims that could come up in your work. But what does that really mean in practice? Here is what massage insurance is:
1. Professional Liability Insurance
Think of this as your main shield. Professional liability covers you in case a client claims they were harmed or injured because of your techniques or advice. Whether it’s an alleged injury or discomfort from a specific method you used (like the massage stones being too hot), this part of your policy steps in to help cover any legal costs or damages.
2. General Liability Insurance
This is your coverage for the “oops” moments that can happen in any workspace. Let’s say a client trips on their way into your massage room or accidentally spills something that leads to a slip. General liability is there to handle these third-party bodily injuries or property damage claims. It’s about making sure your bases are covered for accidents that could happen even outside of your hands-on work.
3. Product Liability
Ever wonder what would happen if a product you use on a client—like a massage oil or cream—caused a bad reaction? Product liability has you covered in these cases. If a client has an adverse reaction to a product you used or sold, this part of your insurance protects you against potential claims.
4. Personal and Advertising Injury
If you’re active on social media or marketing yourself, this one’s worth noting. Personal and advertising injury covers issues like libel, slander, or copyright infringement that could come up in your advertising materials. So, if there’s ever a misunderstanding in your marketing or a post that gets misconstrued, this coverage can give you some peace of mind.
5. Property Coverage
Not every policy includes property coverage, but it’s worth looking into. This option can cover your massage equipment, supplies, or even furniture if they get damaged or stolen. Think of it as extra protection for your business assets.
What Massage Insurance Doesn’t Cover
One thing to remember: massage insurance doesn’t cover your personal health. For that, you’d need a separate health insurance policy to take care of your own medical needs. Massage liability insurance is all about protecting you in the business realm—think of it as your professional safety net.
How to Choose the Right Insurance Provider
Choosing massage insurance for yourself comes down to weighing a few key factors. First, consider the type of policy you need: “claims-made” or “occurrence-based”.
A claims-made policy only covers you while the policy is active, while an occurrence-based policy will cover incidents that happened during the policy period, even if the claim is filed after it ends. If you’re not sure which one is best for you, check out the linked article below where I dive deeper into this.
Next, look at “coverage amounts”. Think about the kind of work you do and how much protection you feel comfortable with. Some providers offer higher liability limits, which can be reassuring if you want extra peace of mind.
Also, consider whether you want “just massage insurance” or if you’re interested in additional benefits. Some providers offer insurance as part of a package with membership perks in a professional organization. This can include access to continuing education, discounts, and even networking opportunities.
Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between cost, coverage, and the added perks that matter most to you.
Massage Insurance Cost Breakdown
Massage insurance costs can feel like a maze when you’re first looking into it—and I get how tricky it can be to balance the coverage you need on a tight budget, especially if you’re just starting out.
Generally, you’ll find that two basic policies start less than $100 per year, which is a great starting point if you’re looking for straightforward protection. On the higher end, you could pay up to $300 annually. These policies tend to include not just higher coverage limits, but also perks like access to continuing education or discounts through professional memberships.
The sweet spot depends on your individual needs. Just starting out or working part-time? A basic plan may be all you need to feel secure. Established and seeing a high volume of clients? A policy that includes membership with additional perks may be the way for you. Now it’s time to see how cheap massage insurance policies stack up to more expensive massage insurance policies.
How Cheap Massage Insurance Options Stack Up
I did a deep dive analysis on massage insurance in a guide I wrote 9 years ago about cheap massage insurance. Don’t worry: The guide is updated and revised every week! The guide compares cheap and the more expensive massage insurances options. It’s an easy read and a straightforward guide. Once you read it, I think you will be able to make a clear and easy decision for yourself.
Last, if you have a massage insurance questions, email me anytime (mark@makethemostofmassage.com). I’d also be happy to answer questions you may have about my business articles. 🙂
About Mark
Mark is not a bot. He is a business owner, neuromuscular massage therapist of 30+ years, teacher, writer and blogger. In this blog, he shares best practices for inexpensively growing a business. You can also find Mark’s articles here: Massage Magazine and Massage & Bodywork Journal. Mark loves working in his massage businesses – PressurePerfect Massage and Pain-Free Massage Therapist.
I really like your emails simple yet very informative. Needing to read something about how to balance time between work and home.
Thank you and keep up the great work!
Hi, Shawna! Glad you like my emails! Funny that you would request a work/life balance article. Yesterday, I set up my schedule for the rest of year for articles and work/life balance was on the schedule! I will let you know when it is done! Have a great week!