Running a successful massage therapy business is so rewarding. And the right insurance keeps it that way. 

Accidents happen, even in a healing environment like a spa. You want to have protection when they do – for you, your business, and your teammates. 

Here’s a guide to the best insurance for massage therapists, what these plans cover, and their costs. With this peace of mind, you’ll be just as relaxed as your clients. 

Why Do You Need Insurance as a Massage Therapist?

Massage therapy is all about taking it easy, but running a business isn’t always stress-free. Here’s how insurance can help:

Malpractice protection

As a massage therapist, you’re an expert at helping clients feel their best. But even with the best training and intentions, things sometimes go wrong. A client may leave your spa feeling worse than when they arrived, and nobody wants that.

If a client believes your treatment caused an injury or worsened an existing condition, they may file a medical negligence or malpractice suit. It’s a scary thought – but if you’re insured, your insurance company will have your back. It’ll cover your legal defense and any compensation you may owe the client so you don’t have to handle the fallout alone.

Financial safety net

Unexpected expenses or lawsuits can seriously shake up your business. Whether you’re facing legal fees, settling with a claim, or stuck at home due to injury or illness, insurance gives you a financial cushion to fall back on. With this safety net, you can keep your business thriving –  even when life throws you a curveball.

Peace of mind

We never expect accidents to happen, but they do. A client could slip on spilled massage oil in your studio (those bottles can get slippery!). Your massage table could suddenly break. Or your clients could experience side effects out of the blue.

Having massage therapy insurance coverage means you don’t have to stay up at night worrying about how to handle these kinds of situations. Instead, you can focus on what matters most: helping clients and growing your business.

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3 Kinds of Insurance Coverage for Massage Therapists

So, what insurance do you need as a massage therapist? Here are the three types of coverage we recommend to protect your practice:

1. Business liability coverage

For massage therapists, professional liability insurance is absolutely essential. This protects against those unexpected “oops!” moments, like when a client takes a spill or has their belongings damaged in your space. It also covers more serious problems, like medical expenses you may owe if a client gets hurt during a massage.

Business liability insurance also usually covers other legal costs. For example, you’d be covered if you get sued for something like copyright infringement (like if you choose a name for your spa that someone else is already using).

2. Business property coverage

Business property insurance protects the space and equipment that make your practice possible. If disaster strikes – whether theft, fire, or water damage – this coverage ensures you can replace your essential tools and restore your tranquil studio. Massage tables, oils, and hot stones can be expensive, so it’s nice to know you can easily replace them if needed.

3. Workers’ compensation coverage

If you run a busy spa or massage franchise with a talented team of massage pros, workers’ compensation coverage is essential – and, in most states, it’s a legal requirement. This insurance safeguards employees by covering medical expenses and lost wages if they get injured on the job. 

Even if you work solo, having workers’ compensation insurance is worth considering. Massage therapy is hard work. If you injure your hands during deep tissue or hurt your back bending over clients all day, this coverage covers your medical bills and provides a safety net while you recover.

5 Best Insurance Options for Massage Therapists

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Choosing the right insurance can feel overwhelming, but don’t stress. Here are five fantastic insurance options for massage therapists, complete with pros, cons, and pricing to help you make an informed decision:

1. Hiscox

Hiscox offers the complete spectrum of liability insurance, protecting you from malpractice suits, cybersecurity mishaps, and damage to client property, just to name a few.

Since Hiscox specializes in coverage for holistic health professionals, you can trust they understand the unique risks of your practice. Even better, you can turn your annual payments into monthly installments if that’s better for your business’s financial health. Plus, this massage therapist insurance costs as little as $22.50 per month, depending on the level of coverage you want.

Keep in mind that Hiscox doesn’t offer the other two types of insurance you may need – business property and workers’ compensation. You may have to buy additional policies from other companies to get full protection.

2. American Massage Council  

The American Massage Council (AMC) provides liability insurance for massage therapists, starting at $99 per year. It offers up to $3 million in annual coverage – or, for $10 more, you can double your coverage limits.

AMC insurance has your back for slips and falls, malpractice suits, and even Good Samaritan liability, which is protection for helping someone who’s seriously injured or ill. You can also add extra coverage, like property insurance, or additional parties, like other massage therapists on your team, to your plan.

The downside to AMC is that if you use a riskier modality, like hot stone massage, you probably have to pay a little extra to get full coverage. But this is true of most massage insurance plans, so don’t let that hold you back.

3. American Massage Therapy Association

Joining the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) comes with a ton of benefits – continuing education resources, networking opportunities, and liability insurance. And its massage liability policy is extensive. For example, you don’t have to pay extra for hot stone massage coverage or to add an extra person to your policy.

The only drawback? AMTA plans are a little pricier than others, starting at $235 per year. But if you’re a new massage pro, you may qualify for a cheaper rate. If you’re on the hunt for a combo of insurance and a supportive community, AMTA is a stellar pick.

4. Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals

The Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) serves up comprehensive insurance coverage for massage therapists starting at around $199 per year. It also offers cheaper plans for students and dual policies for massage therapists who moonlight as cosmetologists (or vice versa). This plan covers everything from basic massage liability to cupping and hot stone massage.

Plus, your ABMP membership includes a smorgasbord of educational resources and sweet discounts on workshops to enhance your skills. The only catch is that you don’t get access to the full suite of benefits with the ABMP’s basic Professional plan. But if you upgrade to the Certified plan for $229 per year, you get exclusive benefits, like the option to pay monthly.

5. Beauty & Bodywork Insurance

Beauty & Bodywork Insurance (BBI) offers flexible options for massage therapists and beauty professionals. Its massage liability insurance protects you from personal and advertising injury, fire damage, and even the products you use on clients (like scented massage oils).

BBI plans start at $96 per year, making them the perfect option for new massage therapists and business owners who have just opened their spas. You can also pay for additional equipment coverage or add extra endorsements for specialties like cupping. But these additions can quickly run up your annual bill, so read the fine print before you sign on.

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3 Extra Ways To Protect Your Massage Therapy Business

Insurance goes a long way toward keeping your business safe, but there are other steps you can take to further protect your practice. Here are a few strategies:

1. Keep careful records

Recording your clients’ journeys and your professional decisions is a smart way to safeguard your practice. For example, detailed SOAP notes explain the treatment you gave each client and the rationale behind it. This protects you in case of any disputes or legal claims. Plus, it helps you track progress and tailor future sessions to better meet your clients’ needs.

2. Use consent forms

As clients fill out massage intake forms, have them sign informed consent sheets, too. These forms should clearly outline the treatments they’ll receive along with any potential risks. Getting clients’ informed consent helps protect you from liability, and it lets clients know they can trust you – they want to know exactly what to expect from your services.

3. Communicate clearly

Every spa and massage studio should be a safe space for clients and professionals alike. Make sure clients understand what’s appropriate and what’s not. For example, communicate clear guidelines around personal boundaries, treatment protocols, and your cancellation policy. This builds even more confidence and trust.

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Amplify Your Massage Therapy Business With GlossGenius

Insurance is a great way for massage therapists to manage risks and protect their businesses. But insurance is just one piece of the puzzle. GlossGenius can help you handle the rest.

GlossGenius is every massage therapist’s best friend. Our all-in-one platform has features that can help you shine – like Finances, Loans, and Online Booking. Start your free trial to start growing your massage therapy business today.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only. For legal, cybersecurity, or compliance advice specific to your business or situation, please consult a professional.