If you’re practicing massage or a related modality like Reiki or Asian bodywork therapy in a state that doesn’t require licensing or if a state has licensing but doesn’t recognize your modality under it’s licensing rules, you might wonder if you can still get liability insurance. The answer is yes–even without a state-issued license, there are insurance providers that can protect you and your practice. This article explains how.
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Understanding State Licensing Requirements
States vary in how they regulate massage therapy and related practices. Some states, like Florida and Texas, require licensing for certain modalities, including Reiki. Others, like Pennsylvania, specifically exclude practices like Reiki and Asian bodywork therapy from their massage therapy licensing requirements. Understanding how your modality is classified in your state is the first step in finding insurance.
Case Study: Reiki Practitioners
Reiki, a Japanese energy-healing technique, is often not considered massage therapy. However, some states require Reiki practitioners to have a massage therapy license to practice legally. For example, Florida and Texas include Reiki under their massage licensing laws. In these states, insurance providers will likely require you to hold a license.
In states where Reiki is not regulated under massage therapy (like Pennsylvania), practitioners don’t need a license to operate. Some of the insurance providers (listed in the next case study) will still cover you without requiring additional certifications, as long as your state permits unlicensed practice.
Learn more about Reiki and licensing requirements here: Reiki and Legal Issues.
Case Study: Asian Bodywork Therapy in Pennsylvania
Asian bodywork therapy encompasses practices like acupressure, Tui na, and Shiatsu. In Pennsylvania, these modalities are specifically excluded from the state’s massage therapy licensing requirements. This means practitioners can operate legally without a massage license. Insurance providers such as Massage Magazine Insurance Plus, Hands On Trade Association, Alternative Balance and Insure LMT offer coverage without requiring additional proof of training.
For details on Pennsylvania’s regulations, visit the State Board of Massage Therapy.
How to Get Massage Insurance Without State License
Even if your state doesn’t require a license, you can still get massage insurance from the following providers who follow state regulations:
| Insurance Provider | Training Verification Required Without State Licensing? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| InsureLMT | No | Covers modalities like Reiki and Asian bodywork therapy without requiring proof of training. |
| Massage Magazine Insurance Plus (MMIP) | No | Follows state regulations; no additional certification required. |
| Hands On Trade Association | No | Offers coverage without proof of training if licensing isn’t required by the state. |
| Alternative Balance | No | Provides insurance for unlicensed practitioners practicing legally in their state. |
These providers make it possible for unlicensed practitioners to secure insurance and protect their business. Worth noting: Massage Magazine Insurance Plus has the most online information about coverage for Reiki and Asian bodywork therapy practitioners.
Massage Insurance Without State License Options
If your state doesn’t license massage therapists or excludes your modality from licensing requirements, you can still get massage insurance. Providers like InsureLMT, Hands On Trade Association, Alternative Balance, and Massage Magazine Insurance Plus make it easy for you to protect your practice.
If you want to compare the coverage and pricing of these four insurance providers, I wrote a massage insurance guide, that is easy to read and will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Mark Liskey: My Massage Insurance Mission
I’m here to help you thrive as a massage therapist. In this case, I’m here to help you find the best insurance coverage for your practice. For any questions or additional help, feel free to contact me at mark@makethemostofmassage.com or contact the insurance provider directly.
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