New York Massage Liability Insurance
Protect Your Career this October, 2025 with the #1 rated New York Massage Liability Insurance for Only $0.41/Day
Trusted by Leading Companies
Rest assured you and your career are protected with Massage Magazine Insurance Plus. We're A-Rated (Superior) and backed by Arthur J. Gallagher.
BBB A+ Accreditation
Massage Magazine Insurance Plus takes great pride in achieving an A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. Trust is at the heart of our values, and we remain unwavering in our commitment to prioritizing our customer communities Since 2009.
Affordable Massage Insurance Plans for New York Therapists
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: $12.50/month
Exclusive perks and benefits included with every policy
500+ Modalities Covered—No Extra Cost
For one low price, you’re covered for over 500 yoga, massage, and beauty modalities like yoga therapy, Pilates, hot stone, reiki, fire cupping, sound healing and more. See all here.
Coverage That Follows You
You are covered wherever you practice in all 50 states, whether it's at your client's home, your office, their office, outdoors, or even online.
Free Continuing Education Courses
Included with your policy is access to 50 hours of FREE NCBTMB-approved online continuing education courses from Niel Asher Education.
Insurance Marketplace
Get access to affordable health, vision, and dental insurance coverage. Plus get the option to obtain Telehealth allowing you to consult with a physician 24/7/365—with only a $10 copay.
Massage Therapy Liability Insurance Policy Benefits & Highlights
Free CEs
We've teamed up with a premier massage therapy continuing education provider, Niel Asher Education, to offer our members access to 50 hours of FREE NCBTMB-approved online massage continuing education.
New York Massage Therapist State Requirements
Beginning a career as a massage therapist in New York is an exciting adventure! While it may feel a bit challenging at first, especially with the steps to get your massage therapist license and the need for continuing education, don't worry. With some guidance and support, you'll navigate these processes smoothly and enjoy a rewarding career ahead!
We're excited to help you understand the rules and check your license status. We also want to share important learning resources with you. Our aim is to give you the knowledge and confidence you need for a successful career in massage therapy.
With this knowledge, you are set to begin a rewarding career as a licensed massage therapist. Your skills and massage education will help you explore the many aspects of this healing profession while keeping you safe and effective in your practice.
To become a licensed massage therapist in New York, you'll go through a thorough training and certification process. This helps make sure that everyone meets high professional standards.
Here’s a friendly step-by-step guide to help you on this journey:
To become a massage therapist in New York, it's important to complete at least 1,000 hours of training at a school approved by the New York State Education Department. This well-rounded massage therapy program covers all the key skills you will need.
200 hours of anatomy, physiology, and neurology, with at least 50 hours dedicated to neurology.
100 hours of general pathology.
150 hours each of myology and kinesiology.
150 hours covering general theory and techniques in both Western and oriental massage therapy.
75 hours of hygiene and first aid.
325 hours focused on specific massage therapy techniques, ensuring well-rounded clinical skills.
To become a massage therapist in New York, candidates are encouraged to pass the New York State Massage Therapy Exam. This exam covers different important topics, including the York New York state laws and regulations that guide the practice of massage therapy in New York. Preparing for this exam will help you understand the concepts and make sure you are ready for a successful career!
Age and Background Check: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a background check. While fingerprinting is not standard, it may be required under certain circumstances.
CPR Certification: To provide safety and emergency readiness in your practice, we encourage you to complete a CPR course within three years before applying for your license. This training is required and important for keeping everyone safe.
Application Process: We’re excited to help you get started! Please submit a completed application along with a non-refundable fee of $108 to the New York State Education Department. Make sure to include proof of your education, your examination scores, and any other important documents. We appreciate your attention to these details!
For more information on New York state massage therapy examination and therapist licensing, see the New York state massage therapy board's website.
To become a licensed massage therapist in New York, you'll go through a thorough training and certification process. This helps make sure that everyone meets high professional standards.
Here’s a friendly step-by-step guide to help you on this journey:
To become a massage therapist in New York, it's important to complete at least 1,000 hours of training at a school approved by the New York State Education Department. This well-rounded massage therapy program covers all the key skills you will need.
200 hours of anatomy, physiology, and neurology, with at least 50 hours dedicated to neurology.
100 hours of general pathology.
150 hours each of myology and kinesiology.
150 hours covering general theory and techniques in both Western and oriental massage therapy.
75 hours of hygiene and first aid.
325 hours focused on specific massage therapy techniques, ensuring well-rounded clinical skills.
To become a massage therapist in New York, candidates are encouraged to pass the New York State Massage Therapy Exam. This exam covers different important topics, including the York New York state laws and regulations that guide the practice of massage therapy in New York. Preparing for this exam will help you understand the concepts and make sure you are ready for a successful career!
Age and Background Check: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a background check. While fingerprinting is not standard, it may be required under certain circumstances.
CPR Certification: To provide safety and emergency readiness in your practice, we encourage you to complete a CPR course within three years before applying for your license. This training is required and important for keeping everyone safe.
Application Process: We’re excited to help you get started! Please submit a completed application along with a non-refundable fee of $108 to the New York State Education Department. Make sure to include proof of your education, your examination scores, and any other important documents. We appreciate your attention to these details!
For more information on New York state massage therapy examination and therapist licensing, see the New York state massage therapy board's website.
For those eager to start or advance their career in massage therapy education, New York offers a vibrant landscape of esteemed institutions. Each school provides diverse programs that cater to a wide range of interests within the field, from traditional techniques to innovative holistic approaches.
New York City:
- Swedish Institute, a College of Health Sciences: The Swedish Institute is proud to be the nation's oldest continuously operating massage therapy school. They offer a strong program that emphasizes a variety of techniques and hands-on practice. Their goal is to help students become skilled and well-rounded practitioners.
Albany:
- Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy: Emphasizes the benefits of therapeutic massage and holistic health, helping students see massage as an important part of overall wellness.
- Mildred Elley School—Albany Campus: Proudly offers AOS degrees in Massage Therapy. With small class sizes, you will receive the support you need to thrive. Plus, we provide lifetime job placement assistance to help you succeed in your career. Our program emphasizes practical skills, making sure you are well-prepared for the job market.
Buffalo Area:
- Trocaire College: This Catholic college blends strong religious values with practical professional training. It offers a certificate program and an AAS degree in massage therapy. Plus, with a friendly student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1, students receive personalized attention and support.
Niagara County:
- Niagara County Community College: Nestled in a peaceful rural area, this public college warmly welcomes students to explore degrees in therapeutic massage. Here, you will gain a strong understanding of both the theory and practical skills needed in this rewarding field.
North Country:
- North Country Community College: Offers AAS degrees in massage therapy. Their program features a well-rounded curriculum that includes hands-on experience in a student-run clinic. This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to gain practical skills in massage therapy.
Choosing the Right School:
Choosing the right school for your education is an exciting journey! Here are some friendly tips to help you make a great decision:
Accreditation and Program Content: Look for programs that are accredited and cover all the treatment skills in massage therapy. This makes sure you get a top-notch education.
Hands-On Experience: It's a good idea to find programs that provide plenty of hands-on practice. This will help you build your skills and gain confidence.
Admission Requirements and Financial Investment: Take a moment to review what you need to enroll and the costs involved. Being informed will help you plan better.
Flexibility: Think about your schedule. If you need part-time or evening classes, check if the school offers those options. Flexibility makes a big difference!
Remember, every massage school has its special strengths. Some may focus on certain massage techniques, while others offer great business and professional ethics training or flexible scheduling. Take your time to find the right fit for you!
In New York, massage therapists are not required to carry liability insurance. However, it is a smart choice to get it to protect your business practice from potential risks. Having liability insurance gives you extra peace of mind against any claims or lawsuits that might arise. It's always better to be prepared!
Massage Magazine Insurance Plus offers excellent protection for massage therapists. With a generous coverage of $2 million for each occurrence and a total of $3 million, this policy goes beyond the state's minimum requirements. This extra coverage gives you added financial security and peace of mind. It not only safeguards your professional practice but also boosts your credibility and trust with clients.
For more information on massage licenses, and to make sure your practice is protected, consider exploring the options available on our New York massage insurance page.
Real Claims We've Covered for Massage Therapists
Mistakes happen, even to the most experienced massage therapist. That's where we come in.
Here are real examples of claims* where we've provided exposure protection for professionals just like you:
Back Injury - $112,194 covered
A client sustained nerve damage from massage techniques.
Covered by professional liability insurance
Allergic Reactions - $16,446 covered
A client experienced allergic reactions arising from the use of massage oils or lotions during a session.
Covered by professional liability insurance
Blisters from Cupping - $32,446 covered
A client experienced severe blistering from cupping.
Covered by professional liability insurance
Massage Table Accident - $175,100
A client hit their head when a massage table fell, causing them to hit their head.
Covered by general liability insurance
*Please note claim scenarios are for illustrative purposes only. Actual coverage is always determined by the carrier and based upon the policy language.
We Cover 500+ Modalities and Disciplines
All at no extra cost.
REASONS WHY
Over 200,000 Professionals Have Chosen Us
Massage Magazine Insurance Plus is proud to provide the industry-recommend coverage type: occurrence form coverage with aggregate limits.
This combined with millions in annual coverage and superior customer service are just some of the top reasons why so many professionals choose MMIP.
We offer occurrence form coverage
Our policy has "occurrence form coverage" which is the industry-preferred coverage type because you are guaranteed to be protected against claims that occurred while your policy was in effect, even if the claim arises after your policy has expired.
Other insurance companies offer "claims made coverage", which means your policy has to be active when a claim is made in order to be protected. If your policy lapses, they will not cover you.
$12.50/month represents the daily cost of the annual policy for the part-time professional rate. Daily payments are not available.
When the Unexpected Happens, MMIP Has You Covered
See how New York's most trusted massage therapy insurance protects practitioners across the Empire State with comprehensive liability coverage designed for real-world scenarios.
The Deep Tissue Dilemma
You're working with a client's chronic shoulder tension at your busy Midtown practice. During a deep tissue sessionAdvanced massage technique requiring specialized training, you apply firm pressure to release stubborn adhesions. Three days later, the client calls claiming nerve damage and numbness. They're demanding compensation for medical bills and threatening a professional negligence lawsuitLegal action claiming inadequate professional care.
Your MMIP professional liability coverage immediately activates, providing you with the means for legal defense and covering potential settlements up to $2 million per occurrence. This protects your practice, reputation, and financial future while you continue serving clients.
The Lake-Effect Slip
A lake-effect snow band dumps slush that gets tracked into your Buffalo studio foyer. Despite a floor mat and caution sign, a client rushing in while checking their phone slips, fracturing their wrist. They’re now facing surgery, physical therapy, and time away from graphic design workWork requiring fine motor skills affected by wrist injury.
Your general liability protection covers third-party injuries occurring on your premises. MMIP handles medical expenses, legal fees, and potential settlements, ensuring one accident doesn't jeopardize your business or personal assets.
The Social Media Misstep
Excited about your new hot stone therapy serviceTherapeutic massage using heated stones, you share a glowing client testimonial on Instagram, including their photo and full name. You forgot to obtain written consent for marketing use. The client discovers the post and feels their privacy was violated. Their attorney sends a demand letter claiming invasion of privacy and unauthorized commercial useLegal violations of personal rights of their likeness.
Your personal and advertising injury coverage protects against claims of privacy invasion, libel, and unauthorized use of likeness. MMIP provides financial protection with coverage for settlements and judgments, allowing you to focus on your practice.
Protect Your New York Practice Today
Join thousands of New York massage therapists who trust MMIP for comprehensive, affordable protection. From NYC and Long Island to the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and Western New York—we’ve got you covered.
