Even the most skilled therapists can face unexpected problems, like a client getting hurt or having an allergic reaction. Liability insurance protects therapists from the legal and financial issues these problems could cause.
It also describes two important types of insurance: general liability, which covers accidents in the office, and professional liability, which deals with issues during a massage session. Both insurances are important because they help therapists work without worrying about what could go wrong.
Lawsuits happen, leaving you to sort through a legal and financial mess. It is every therapist’s nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be as dire as it seems. With massage therapist liability insurance, you have a buffer of protection in case the unthinkable happens. Read on to discover why massage therapists need liability insurance.
Protect Yourself with Massage Therapist Liability Insurance
There are several compelling reasons to invest in liability insurance as a massage therapist. If you are on the fence about insurance or have put it off for any reason, you’ve come to the right place. Sorting through all the information and options available can be overwhelming. That’s why we put together this simple guide to choosing the right massage therapy liability insurance and why having coverage iis so important.
Accidents Happen
No matter how experienced, skilled, and careful you are, accidents can happen. Sometimes, they are completely out of your control–such as an adverse reaction a client had to your massage oil. Other times, your client may have a pre-existing issue you aren’t aware of, or you might make a mistake–we’re all human.
While an accident is not inevitable, and some massage therapists make it through their entire careers without experiencing one, the possibility is always present. Being legally and financially covered from the unthinkable and unpredictable can save your livelihood, protect your assets, and give you peace of mind while you practice.
You’re Not a Lawyer
We have no doubt that you’re fully capable of just about anything. After all, being a massage therapist takes intelligence, persistence, and impressive control over your body. It’s hard work, and you’ve committed yourself to being the best massage therapist you can be. People come to you because you are an expert in your field.
While you might be able to dive into legal resources and learn everything you need to defend yourself in the case of a lawsuit, why not have peace of mind knowing your insurance provider has legal resources available to you? Just as you help people destress and heal, your insurance provider should have your back in the event of a claim.
Your Time is Valuable
When faced with a lawsuit, your reputation and finances are not the only things on the line. The proceedings associated with litigation can be incredibly time-consuming, especially if you try to handle them without the help of a professional.
Investing in massage therapist liability insurance allows you to focus your time and efforts on other things, even when disaster strikes. Whether it’s furthering your education, running your business, or continuing to help clients, your time is valuable and should be allocated to things other than legal proceedings.
Good for Your Clients
Much like being properly licensed (and in some cases, a prerequisite to being licensed), liability insurance gives your clients the confidence they need to put their health in your hands. It is a sign of professionalism, creates peace of mind, and can boost your reputation in the eyes of current and potential clients. It also tends to alleviate pressure and expedite lawsuits should one occur.
Built-In Peace of Mind
An integral part of your job is alleviating the stress that your clients are experiencing. You shouldn’t have to carry your anxiety and stress alone, either. Liability insurance for massage therapists takes that pressure off of your shoulders. Think of it as a legal massage–knowing that any accidents or mistakes will be covered and handled by your insurance is sure to give you the peace of mind you need to excel as you help people every day.
From hiring an attorney to covering your legal fees, massage therapist liability insurance worries about all possible scenarios so that you don’t have to. Instead, you can focus on what you do best–treating your clients with the attention and care they deserve.
General and Professional Liability Insurance
When searching for the right massage therapist liability insurance, you will inevitably encounter two types of coverage–general and professional liability insurance. For many, this can muddy the waters and create confusion. Do you need one, the other, or both?
General liability insurance covers accidents–including injury or damage to their property–that happens in your office without your personal involvement. It is often called “slip and fall” insurance because it is for these all-too-common occurrences.
Professional liability insurance, on the other hand, is similar to malpractice insurance. It covers situations where a client is hurt or their property is damaged during a session for which they paid.
Both forms of liability insurance are essential, and you should protect yourself with a plan that includes general and professional liability insurance.
Choosing the Right Massage Therapist Insurance
In the modern age of massage therapy, procuring liability insurance is an investment in your career, practice, and clients. Without question, it is a necessity if you wish to provide patients with the care they deserve while feeling confident and protected from mishaps. It’s not a question of if you should have liability insurance; it’s a matter of choosing the right insurance. With MMIP coverage, you can ensure your practice is safeguarded, allowing you to focus on delivering top-quality care with peace of mind.
For more information about liability insurance for massage therapists, check out this page for more information. We can guide you through the nuances of liability insurance and help you decide which coverage is right for you!
Meet the Author:
Hannah Young
Hannah Young is the Associate Director of Marketing for Massage Magazine Insurance Plus (MMIP). Hannah has dedicated her career to the advancement of the massage therapy industry by spearheading the MASSAGE Magazine and MMIP family of brands. Her impactful efforts extend beyond the corporate realm, as Hannah has successfully raised substantial funds for massage therapist grants and foundations. Notably, she spearheaded the establishment of the annual Massage Therapist Appreciation Week, a testament to her dedication to recognizing and honoring the contributions of massage therapists.
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The opportunity to be insured by MMIP saved me $1,300 per year and helped make it possible to run my own Wellness Center with no liability concerns. I am so grateful to have this insurance option! My stress over insurance expense and coverage is completely gone. Thank you MMIP!
Debbie Merrick
Reiki Practitioner
In Harmony Reiki and Inner Wellness
Massage Magazine Insurance Plus gives me a very broad range of coverage for a great price. Plus MMIP's customer service team have an amazing customer service attitude. I feel totally protected in this in this new massage environment.
Gary Rosenthal
Mindbody Therapist
Whole Body Health Team
MASSAGE
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