Massage Insurance

The importance of massage insurance

When it comes to relaxation, not much can beat a great massage. As a massage therapist, what’s important is that your clients can feel relaxed, de-stressed and calm at the end of their treatment. Concentrating on the well-being of your massage clients is vital, as is getting the right massage insurance coverage.

Whilst it might seem like a relatively low priority, if anything was to go wrong with a massage or client, you can relax, knowing that your massage insurance policy will protect you financially.

Who needs it?

The term massage covers a wide range of treatments and techniques. If you offer any of the following, you could benefit from a specialist massage therapy insurance policy:

• Sports massage
• Aromatherapy massage
• Swedish massage
• Deep tissue massage
• Thai massage
• Indian head massage
• Ayurvedic massage

What type of cover is needed for massage?

Massage therapy insurance is a good idea whether you work on a freelance basis, or in a salon. Massage insurance will cover the main risks of your trade, and ensure that if you face the unexpected then your business and livelihood are protected.

Massage insurance policies will usually include the following types of cover:

• Public liability insurance

This protects you from claims brought by third parties. If someone is hurt or injured – even if it’s not caused by the massage treatment itself – you could find yourself defending a claim.

For example, if a client trips over your equipment and twists their ankle. Or, you accidentally damage their clothing with massage oil and need to pay for replacements.

• Professional indemnity cover

If something goes wrong with a massage treatment itself, compensation costs can run into the thousands. For example, if a client claims that your massage exacerbated a back injury, meaning they were not able to work. Professional indemnity insurance covers the cost if a client claims you have been negligent, or caused harm or loss as a result of the treatment.

• Products liability cover

Many self-employed massage therapists supplement their income by selling aftercare products. If a product you sell is faulty or causes damage, product liability insurance protects you financially and covers any costs arising.

• Employers’ liability cover

If you run a massage business which employs any staff members, you must take out employer liability insurance. It is a legal requirement and protects you if a staff member needs to make a claim, for example, if they are injured whilst at work.

How much does massage insurance cost?

Massage insurance costs vary, depending on the amount of coverage you need, and the specific circumstances of your business.

Always compare quotes from different providers, and make sure that you’re only paying for the cover you need. The best way to keep premium costs low is to make sure that you are effectively managing risk within your business in the first place, thus avoiding the likelihood that you’ll need to make a claim.

Keeping all staff well-trained and observing good health and safety practices will help, as will asking clients to complete pre-treatment questionnaires to highlight any pre-existing conditions or allergies.

Related insurance