5 Tips For Choosing The Right Massage Insurance For You

Thoughts of a pleasant, rejuvenating massage don't normally conjure images of injuries and lawsuits. However these misfortunes can catch the most professional massage therapists off guard. You will most likely have a long, blissful career free of claims and losses but the right massage insurance protects you if problems arise.

Why Massage Insurance Matters

Massage is a professional touch therapy applied to human bodies across different modalities. In some cultures, it is treated as a medicinal practice. Your clients will come in all ages, sizes and states of health.

Massage insurance covers you if clients allege injuries, pain and even irritation from oils or lotions. Liability insurance accounts for basic claims. More complex plans protect you, your space and your staff if you operate a business.

1. Consider your level now and in the future.

As a massage student in training, you would require different insurance than a certified massage therapist would. Many massage students who must acquire training hours do not realize they should have insurance, so they miss a savings opportunity. Student plans begin as low as $25 and last for up until a year after you receive your license to practice as a professional.

While you work up from freelancing part-time to full-time professional, you want to upgrade accordingly to stay on the safe side.

2. Add elite protections.

Comprehensive providers such as Massage Magazine Insurance Plus will offer elite items like Occurrence Form coverage, which protects you for claims from the day they occurred even if your plan expired before you learned of a problem.

Such providers commonly partner with brand name companies. If you make the leap from part-time freelancer to classify as a Business Owner, you could add a Business Owner policy. This option would streamline multiple interests you acquire as an owner including property, fire and employee liability coverage.

3. Do your research.

A new massage therapist may want more career support than a veteran. Some insurance providers have more formidable communities and professional advice systems than others. These may be values you do not know you need until you research all companies have to offer.

4. Compare plans and reviews.

You could receive an affordable quote the first time out and want to take it. Pause and get second opinions. Consult your fellow students and teachers or colleagues you've met in professional work.

The internet is a valuable repository of opinions from current massage insurance customers. Reviews should hint at insurers' response times on questions and bills. These can alert you to red flags, such as delays and poor service in handling claims.

5. Cover all you do.

Massage therapists are not one size fits all, and massage insurance shouldn't be either. Body massage modalities like Shiatsu and Swedish serve different functions than Pregnancy and Facial massage. Dancers, athletes and other professionals could need you for their jobs.

Most spa liability insurance covers all therapists who work there, but leave nothing to chance. Definitely cover yourself if you strike out on your own and ask for written proof you are covered if you work for someone else.

As you grow and add skills, always consult your insurance provider in case you have to augment your policy's limits. Expect to pay $100-$500 as a freelancer, or more if you acquire your own space and employ staff.

While in the business of relaxation for others, you owe it to your clients to feel relaxed that you both are protected. Wherever you are in your journey to help others with massage, work with the knowledge you have insurance.