Hawaii Massage Therapy Insurance
Hawaii Massage Liability Insurance Guidelines
When you hear "malpractice insurance" in healthcare, it's easy to imagine surgeons and doctors in the midst of complicated procedures. But this safety net isn't exclusive to them. Massage therapists, known for their hands-on healing touch, equally value this protective insurance. Even though massage therapy feels peaceful and appears low-risk, client reactions can be unpredictable. Given the increasing legal claims nowadays, this insurance isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must-have.
In Hawaii, there are clear guidelines for those wanting to become licensed massage therapists (LMT). These rules ensure therapists are skilled and uphold strong ethical standards. To become an LMT in Hawaii:
- Complete CPR certification.
- Pass the Hawaii State Massage Exam. This closed-book exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes two hours to complete. The cost is $15.
- Be certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
- Hawaii is unique in that there is not a National Massage Certification Exam (MBLEx) required for licensure. Both the massage therapist and the massage establishment must be licensed.
- Pay an application fee of $50.
If you're looking to start this journey in Hawaii, it's vital to truly grasp the core of the profession—helping clients relieve stress and pain to enhance their well-being. Accidents, though unexpected, can happen, and being aware of potential issues, like injuries or allergic reactions, is crucial. The right insurance can help address these concerns, letting therapists focus on their clients.
While Hawaii doesn't make liability insurance mandatory for massage therapists, having it can be a game-changer. Think of it as a safety net; it can be the difference between a flourishing practice and financial struggles. This insurance acts as a guiding light, helping therapists navigate challenges that might arise from unexpected complications in their services.
Education is the foundation for every skilled massage therapist. In Hawaii, to become an LMT, one needs to:
- Complete at least 570 hours of training and education from an accredited school. This includes at least 50 hours of physiology, anatomy, and structural kinesiology, and 100 hours of theory and demonstration.
Once you've met all the educational, testing, and paperwork requirements, Hawaii warmly invites you into its circle of licensed massage therapists. While the journey may appear demanding, it reflects Hawaii's dedication to fostering therapists who are both competent and uphold strong ethical values.
In Hawaii, massage liability insurance goes beyond mere financial protection. It symbolizes the state's unwavering commitment to its therapists and the clients they serve. It ensures a space where therapists can practice confidently and clients can relax, knowing they're in the care of insured professionals.
Hawaii Massage Therapy Resources
The following are state resources, including some Hawaii employment statistics, to help you determine if being a massage therapist is right for you:
Hawaii massage employment statistics as of September 4, 2023: $37.29/hour
Source: Indeed.com
Education Requirements: To become a licensed massage therapist in Hawaii, you must complete at least 570 hours of training at an approved school. This includes at least 150 hours of core subjects, such as anatomy, physiology, and business ethics. The remaining 420 hours are hands-on practical work.
Source: Hawaii Massage Therapy License Requirements
For additional information about massage therapy in Hawaii, follow these links:
Board of massage information: Professional & Vocational Licensing Division | Board of Massage Therapy
State employment stats: Hawaii - May 2022 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates
Everything You Need to Know About Renewals in Hawaii
If you're gearing up to renew your massage therapist license online, here's a checklist to ensure you're prepared:
Here’s all the information you need to renew your license in Hawaii:
- Licenses need renewal every even year by June 30th, with a fee of $146.
- Licenses need renewal every even year by June 30th, with a fee of $146.
- From July 1, 2022 on, a total of 12 hours of continuing education (CE) is necessary for license renewal. Two of these hours should focus on first aid, CPR, or related emergency courses.
- Proof of CE should be submitted between May 1 and June 30 of the renewal year. The mode of CE completion, whether live or online, remains unspecified.
- Renewals can be done online via MyPVL, where you can also check the status of your license.
- License verification is available online at no cost, providing details like the original license date, expiration date, current status, and any disciplinary actions.
- You can contact the state of Hawaii Massage Board at 808-586-2694 for more information.
Three Policy Options to Choose From For Hawaii Massage Insurance
1 year full-time Professional Rate
$
169
/1yr
Cost to you: $0.46/day
2 year full-time
professional rate
$
289
/2yr
Cost to you: $0.39/day
1 year part-time
professional rate
$
149
/1yr
Cost to you: $0.41/day
Who Is Massage Magazine Insurance Plus?
With a rich history of 38 years in the industry, MASSAGE Magazine created Massage Magazine Insurance Plus as a comprehensive national liability insurance policy for professionals in the fields of health, wellness, and beauty.
Now supported by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and Arch Insurance, our members can benefit from enhanced insurance coverage that is both reliable and backed by esteemed partners. Despite these advancements, our dedicated team at MASSAGE Magazine, serving the massage and bodywork industry since 1985, continues to operate the program.
See What MMIP Insurance Members Are Saying
I have used Massage Magazine Insurance Plus for years! Excellent, friendly service and easy renewal process, in addition to affordable rates. In my experience, customer service has always been able to easily resolve any questions or issues with a single phone call. Highly recommend!

Anna S.
I've been very happy with Insurance Plus for my liability insurance needs for nearly a decade. Reasonable pricing, easy process for starting and renewing this coverage, and accessible documents. As a Reiki Master who offers other modalities, I have been pleased with Massage Magazine Insurance Plus and feel grateful.

Erika S.
Although I have never had to make a claim, I have been insured by Insurance Plus since around 1998. I find it meets my commercial needs, extremely affordable compared to other standard insurers available with coverage that gives me a sense of confidence that I am protected. I will continue to be a faithful client.

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