How much does Massage Insurance cost?

As a massage therapist, your customers expect to leave feeling refreshed and well, but if something goes wrong you need to have adequate insurance cover in place to protect yourself and your business.

Like any therapeutic “hands-on” activity that deals with the public, massage therapy can involve a level of risk. This is especially true because your clients will be in various states of physical wellbeing.

It’s important that you understand what elements of cover are essential and how to identify factors which can bring down the price of your policy. Business insurance can be confusing, but as a minimum, you should ensure you should consider the following for your massage insurance:

Liability insurance

Liability insurance will protect you if a client has an accident, for example, a trip or a fall. This type of cover is essential for all businesses.

Malpractice insurance

Malpractice insurance is the second essential cover you must have in place as a practising massage therapist. If someone were to claim an injury as a result of your alleged lack of skill or competence, this type of insurance will protect you. If you employ staff, you’ll also need employer’s liability insurance.

Products liability insurance

Product liability insurance will cover you if you use a product during a session that causes some kind of injury to a client, such as a severe allergic reaction.

Building & premises, stock & equipment

This will cover you for accidental loss, damage or theft, and will typically include contents kept at your business and those you keep at home, in transit and also include damage to belongings of employees and visitors.

You should also consider insurance cover for buildings and the premises from which you work. This type of cover will provide protection in case of damage and you should check that your policy covers loss of income should your place of business become unusable. You can add different types of cover depending on whether you own or rent your premises.

Some people like to take out personal accidents and sickness insurance, and you can also add cover for legal expenses insurance.

How to reduce the cost of your policy

There are some simple ways in which you can reduce the cost of your premium and the standard principles of insurance apply: identify which elements of cover are essential and trim additional features if you really don’t need them.

You can also take some practical steps to reduce your insurance costs. Insurers will view you as lower risk if you can demonstrate many years’ experience in your profession and if you have professional qualifications. Similarly, if you have previous claims then expect the cost of your policy to reflect this.

Check the policy you’re considering carefully because each will differ. Some companies will offer ‘all-in cover’ while others will add on extras. It’s always best to clarify what coverage is included in the price you’re quoted. It’s usually best to speak with an insurance company and discuss your requirements in detail.