Five things every therapist should know about liability coverage
Regardless of whether you are establishing a solo practice or working in a wellness center, massage therapists have a special set of risks in their everyday work. Even the most experienced and careful therapists can be exposed to professional liability claims, starting with accidental injuries and misconceptions about the results of the treatment. This is where liability insurance comes in, not as a formality, but as a cornerstone to a stable, secure career.
Knowledge of the intricacies of coverage is way beyond a box ticked on licensure or employment. Liability insurance is an ever-changing safety net that responds to the changing clients, modalities of treatment, and working environments of a massage therapist. These are five important things every therapist should know about liability insurance before they sign any policy or renew their certification.
Your practice should be covered, not only the minimum requirements
There may be a minimum required coverage by state regulations or employers; however, therapists must always consider what they really require. In the case of massage therapists, this usually involves having both professional liability (malpractice) and general liability insurance. Professional liability applies to claims that are actually connected with your actual practical activity, i.e., injuries that are alleged to have been caused by a treatment, whereas general liability applies to the situations when something goes wrong at your business location, i.e, when a client trips and falls on the floor. Limits per occurrence and aggregate annual limits differ widely, and so read your plan carefully to make sure it fits your practice size and the nature of services you offer.
All policies do not encompass all modalities
The variety of specialties that can be used in massage therapy is enormous: deep tissue, Reiki, myofascial release, and modern energy-work techniques. Other insurers do not cover some of the high-risk or less-standardized practices in the policy. To ensure complete coverage, consider services such as Massage Magazine Insurance Plus, which specifically provides coverage on plans that encompass more than 500 modalities- both modern and traditional. This is essential to therapists who would like to have the freedom to expand their services without compromising on the security of themselves and their clients. For guidance tailored to your modalities and state requirements, consider speaking with massage insurance specialists at MassageLiabilityInsuranceGroup.com.
Liability insurance is not only used in lawsuits – it covers daily claims
Most therapists believe that coverage is only important when they are brought to court. In practice, the majority of cases are resolved well before they get to a judge and may involve such things as accidental property damage (a client’s jewelry or clothing), allergic reaction to massage oils, or even a defense of your massage license before a board. Even small claims can save you thousands in legal costs with the right insurance, and even cover first aid or emergency incident response costs.
Claims-made policies vs. occurrence policies
There are two types of liability policies, which are the occurrence-based and claims-made. Occurrence-based policies cover you for incidents that occurred within the coverage period- even though the claim is made after your coverage has expired. Claims-made policies, on the other hand, only cover incidents and claims that arise and are reported during the time of coverage. The peace of mind that comes with the occurrence-based coverage should be considered by therapists who switch jobs, take a career break, or offer services across different states.
Clients seek insured practitioners, and employers may demand evidence
Comprehensive liability insurance is not only protective, but it is a strong business builder. According to surveys, a majority of clients will prefer therapists who are not secretive about the fact that they are insured. Most employers, spas, and wellness facilities will insist that therapists provide evidence of insurance prior to being permitted to work with clients in the field. It is not merely paperwork, but it creates trust between you and your clients and professional partners, and makes you more credible in the field.
Conclusion
Massage therapists, Reiki practitioners, and bodywork professionals who are concerned about the future of their practice cannot afford to negotiate liability insurance. Policies have been developed by providers such as Massage Magazine Insurance Plus to cover over 500 different modalities, giving peace of mind to every technique and every client. Knowing the mechanics of coverage, looking to see what modalities are covered, and ensuring that the level of insurance is always adjusted to your actual risks in the real world, you create a safer, more resilient, and more respected massage profession.