Massage Therapy Insurance Policy Information

Massage Therapy Insurance. Therapeutic massage applies pressure to the muscles or connective tissues of the body using a number of techniques designed to relieve pain and stress and promote healing. Massage is generally done using the hands and fingers, but the therapist can also use elbows, knees, feet, or even mechanical aids.

Services may be provided at the therapist's premises, at a spa, at the workplace or in the client's home. Individual therapists may be certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Some therapists receive formal training while others serve an apprenticeship in order to learn the various techniques.

If you are a massage therapist, then you know how to relieve anxiety and stress for your clients, but what about the stress you'd feel if you were sued by a client? If you have the proper amount and type of business insurance in place for your massage therapy business, then the answer will be a resounding "yes."

If not, you may be leaving your business and your own financial future at risk and exposing yourself to potential litigation and legal actions. Even if you work for a massage parlor, you are still at risk of being sued.

You may have some form of protection in the form of liability coverage provided by your employer, but you should still check to see that the coverage levels are such that you won't experience a financial disaster if a large claim is awarded against you. Fill in those coverage gaps with a massage therapy insurance liability policy of your own.

Massage therapy insurance protects your business from lawsuits with rates as low as $27/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked massage therapists insurance questions:

What Is Massage Therapy Insurance?
How Much Does Massage Therapy Insurance Cost?
Why Do Massage Therapists Need Insurance?
What Type Of Insurance Do Massage Therapists Need?
What Different Type Of Insurance Do In-Home vs Commercial Massage Businesses Need?
What Does Massage Therapy Insurance Cover & Pay For?

What Is Massage Therapy Insurance?

Massage therapy insurance is a type of liability insurance specifically designed for massage therapists and massage therapy practices. It provides financial protection for massage therapists against claims of professional negligence or malpractice.

This insurance covers costs associated with legal defense, settlements, and damages, protecting massage therapists from financial ruin in the event of a lawsuit. Massage therapy insurance typically includes coverage for claims related to allegations of sexual assault, injury, or other incidents that occur during the course of treatment.

It is essential for massage therapists to have this insurance to safeguard their businesses and personal assets.

How Much Does Massage Therapy Insurance Cost?

The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small massage Therapists ranges from $27 to $59 per month based on location, type of massage techniques, payroll, sales and experience.

Why Do Massage Therapists Need Insurance?

You take pride in your work as a massage therapist, but are you protecting yourself from financial fallout that might occur if someone sues you? Although you are careful in your practice and do everything by the book, no one is immune from a disgruntled customer who may claim that you injured him or that someone in your employ made a sexual move towards her.

The process of resolving a lawsuit can be lengthy, and even if the claim is unfounded and ends up tossed out of court, you're still out the money of providing a defense against the claims. Business insurance, or specially, massage therapy insurance, can help deflect those costs so that your business is not affected by such claims.

No matter the type of scope of your massage practice, finding the right protection against liability is key. Because litigation and monetary awards for perceived injuries can reach to $1 million or more, the money that you have on hand, including your savings and any assets that you own, can become property of the person suing you if you are not protected.

Even if you have very little put away, the claimant, if successful, can also attach herself to your future earnings and cause you a slew of problems.

What Type Of Insurance Do Massage Therapists Need?

At the very minimum, you should discuss the following massage therapy insurance policy options with commercial insurance agency who is adept at understanding the nuances of the massage parlor niche:

Professional liability coverage. Protect yourself from lawsuits with this type of coverage. If the courts find that you are liable for an injury related to your services, then you can be liable for costs such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, time lost from work, and the cost of paying an attorney to represent you. This protection prevents loss and poor financial outcomes.
General liability coverage. If an accident in your facility occurs, general liability coverage is an important type of coverage to own. This can cover everything from scalds incurred from heated stones to a client slipping on your floor in the reception area.
Product liability coverage. If a client has a negative reaction to oils or other items that you use during the course of treatment, product liability coverage can pay for related losses.

The cost of this type of massage therapy insurance is usually less than a couple hundred bucks annually. This buys your massage business millions of dollars in liability coverage, making it a completely feasible business expense.

What Different Type Of Insurance Do In-Home vs Commercial Massage Businesses Need?

In-Home Massage Providers

More and more people are providing in-home massage services, and if this describes your situation, then you need to have the right massage therapy insurance coverage in effect to take care of any accidents or losses experienced by clients in your home.

While you can usually add a rider or addendum to your homeowner's policy to cover the risk of doing business at home, you may be better off with a standalone policy instead. Speak with your commercial agent to glean a better understanding of the benefits of a policy that covers just your own particular business activities at home.

Commercial Massage Businesses

For massage therapists who rent their work areas from a small business owner or a medical professional, there are a few things to consider, including ensuring that you have a sufficient level of insurance for the perils you face.

Even if you have to buy your own policy, it is a good idea to do so because being unprotected in our litigious society can lead to financial ruin if you are sued. Always check the massage therapy insurance coverage level and compare it to what you can afford to be out of pocket if a claim that surpasses your policy's limits is filed against you.

You may also wish to purchase rental coverage on your leased space. This will cover costs of replacing any equipment damaged due to burglary, fire or other losses.

Work with a seasoned commercial agent to determine your particular risks and the right protection for your business to ensure your healthy business growth and success.

Therapeutic Massage Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposures are low due to the limited number of visitors to the premises. To prevent trips, slips, and falls, all areas accessible to patients must be well maintained with floor covering in good condition. The number of exits must be sufficient, and be well marked, with backup lighting in case of power failure.

Steps should have handrails, be illuminated, marked, and in good repair. Housekeeping should be excellent and spills must be cleaned up promptly. Parking lots should be maintained free of ice and snow.

Professional liability can be high due to the manipulation of clients' muscles and connective tissues. The exposure increases if the provider fails to conduct thorough background checks to verify employees' credentials, education, and licensing if required by the state. Application of too much pressure can result in temporary bruising or swelling.

The sanitary condition of the therapist's premises and equipment is a primary concern. Clients may be exposed to blood-borne pathogens such as hepatitis, HIV, and AIDS. Finally, inappropriate touching and sexual misconduct must also be considered.

Products liability exposures do not exist unless the therapist sells devices such as braces, canes, or similar equipment. A more typical product exposure involves the selling of oils or other products for client's use between treatments. If the therapist is involved in other aspects of holistic health care, vitamins and herbs may be sold. If products or ingredients are imported directly to the therapist, or the therapist mixes or blends ingredients, the exposure is that of a manufacturer.

Workers compensation exposures are from contact with clients and the possible transmission of diseases from contaminated bodily fluids. Gloves and masks should be worn at all times when bodily fluids may be present. Because of the physical manipulation to the client's body, arm and back injuries are common and the therapist can be accidentally struck by a client. Since therapists visit clients' homes, the possibility of inappropriate client behaviors, attacks by animals, or off-site hazards such as slips, trips, and falls may also be a concern.

Property exposures are usually low because there are minimal amounts of equipment at the therapist's premises. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning systems. The business income and extra expense exposure is very low as operations can be quickly resumed at an alternate location.

Crime exposure is from employee dishonesty. All ordering, billing, and disbursement must be handled by separate individuals. Money and securities are a concern if payments are accepted on premises. Deposits should be made regularly and money should not be kept on premises overnight. Monitoring must be constant.

Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the therapist bills clients for services, computers, property in transit, and off premises if the therapist performs services offsite, and valuable papers and records for clients' and suppliers' information. All records and programs should be duplicated and the duplicates kept off site.

Business auto exposures are generally limited to hired and nonownership for employees running errands. If there are owned vehicles, all drivers should be licensed with acceptable MVRs. Vehicle maintenance should be ongoing and documented in a central location.

What Does Massage Therapy Insurance Cover & Pay For?

There are several reasons why Massage Therapists may face lawsuits, including:

Malpractice or professional negligence: This can occur if a Massage Therapist fails to provide appropriate care or makes a mistake during a massage session, resulting in injury or harm to the client. For example, if a Massage Therapist applies excessive pressure, uses improper techniques, or fails to address a known medical condition of the client, it could result in a lawsuit.
How insurance can help: Professional liability insurance, also known as malpractice insurance, is designed to protect Massage Therapists against claims of professional negligence. If a Massage Therapist is sued for malpractice, their insurance policy can provide coverage for legal defense costs, court fees, and any damages awarded to the plaintiff up to the policy limits.

Slip and fall accidents: Accidents can occur in the massage therapy setting, such as a client slipping and falling on a wet floor, tripping over equipment, or getting injured while moving around the premises.
How insurance can help: General liability insurance, also known as slip and fall insurance, can provide coverage for such accidents. It can help pay for medical expenses, legal defense costs, and damages if the Massage Therapist is found liable for the injury.

Allegations of sexual misconduct: Massage Therapists may face allegations of sexual harassment, assault, or misconduct from clients, which can result in lawsuits. This can include unwanted touching, inappropriate comments, or other forms of misconduct during a massage session.
How insurance can help: Some professional liability insurance policies for Massage Therapists may include coverage for allegations of sexual misconduct. This can provide coverage for legal defense costs and damages awarded to the plaintiff, up to the policy limits.

Breach of client confidentiality: Massage Therapists are required to maintain client confidentiality and protect their personal information. If a Massage Therapist fails to do so, such as by disclosing client information without consent, it could result in a lawsuit.
How insurance can help: Some professional liability insurance policies may include coverage for breaches of client confidentiality. This can provide coverage for legal defense costs and damages if the Massage Therapist is found liable.

It's important to note that insurance policies can vary, and coverage limits and exclusions may apply. Massage Therapists should carefully review their insurance policy to understand what types of claims are covered and what the policy limits are. Additionally, it's recommended to work with a qualified insurance provider who specializes in providing coverage for Massage Therapists to ensure adequate protection.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

SIC CODE: 8049 Offices and Clinics of Health Practitioners, Not Elsewhere Classified
NAICS CODE: 621399 Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioner, 621340 Physical Therapy Offices
Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8832 Physician & Clerical, 9063 Health or Exercise Institute & Clerical

8049: Offices and Clinics of Health Practitioners, Not Elsewhere Classified

Division I: Services | Major Group 80: Health Services | Industry Group 804: Offices And Clinics Of Other Health Practitioners

8049 Offices and Clinics of Health Practitioners, Not Elsewhere Classified: Establishments of health practitioners engaged in the practice of health fields, not elsewhere classified. Practitioners may or may not be licensed or certified, depending on the State in which they practice. Establishments operating as clinics of health practitioners, not elsewhere classified, are included in this industry.

Acupuncturists, except M.D.: offices of
Audiologists, offices of
Christian science practitioners, offices of
Dental hygienists, offices of
Dieticians, offices of
Hypnotists, offices of
Inhalation therapists, registered
Midwives, offices of
Naturopaths, offices of
Nurses, registered and practical: offices of, except home health
Nutritionists, offices of
Occupational therapists, offices of
Paramedics, offices of
Physical therapists, offices of
Physicians'assistants, offices of
Psychiatric social workers, offices of
Psychologists, clinical offices of
Psychotherapists, except M.D.: offices of
Speech clinicians, offices of
Speech pathologists, offices of

Massage Therapy Insurance - The Bottom Line

To find out exactly what type of massage therapy insurance you need and how much coverage you should have, speak to a licensed business insurance agent to go over your options.

Additional Resources For Health & Beauty Insurance

Learn about small business health and beauty insurance coverages that help protect tattoo artists, salons, spas, estheticians, cosmetologists, barbers, hairdressers, nail salons and more from legal liability.

The health and beauty industry is a highly regulated sector, with strict rules and guidelines in place to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the products and services being provided. In addition to meeting these regulatory requirements, businesses in this industry also face a number of other risks and potential liabilities. For example, customers may suffer adverse reactions to products, or employees may suffer injuries while providing services. In these cases, the business could be held liable for any resulting damages or losses.

Business insurance can help protect a health and beauty business from these types of risks by providing financial coverage in the event of a claim or lawsuit. For example, a commercial insurance policy may provide coverage for medical expenses or damages that result from a product liability claim. It may also cover legal fees and other costs associated with defending the business against a claim.

In addition to protecting against financial losses, insurance can also help protect the reputation of a health and beauty business. If a business is sued or faces a costly claim, it can damage the business's reputation and negatively impact its bottom line. By having insurance in place, a business can show its customers and clients that it is prepared for any potential risks and is committed to protecting their safety and well-being.

Overall, commercial insurance is an important consideration for any business, but it is especially important in the health and beauty industry due to the unique risks and liabilities that businesses in this sector face. By having the right insurance coverage in place, businesses can protect themselves, their customers, and their employees, and ensure that they are able to operate with confidence and security.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Business Income with Extra Expense, Employee Dishonesty, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Professional Liability, Umbrella Liability, Hired and Non-owned Auto Liability & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Accounts Receivables, Bailees Customers, Fine Arts, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices, Environmental Impairment, Liquor Liability, Business Automobile Liability and Physical Damage, Garagekeepers and Stop Gap Liability.

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