Washington Massage
Therapy Insurance
How Much Does Massage Liability Insurance Cost in Washington?
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
Washington Massage Liability Insurance Guidelines
In healthcare, the term "malpractice insurance" often brings to mind doctors making surgical or diagnostic errors. However, this protective measure isn't limited to physicians. Given the intimate nature of massage therapy, therapists can find themselves facing legal claims from both current and former clients. While it may seem like a low-risk profession, it's challenging to anticipate how patients will react. In our increasingly litigious society, having insurance as a safety net is vital.
In Washington, the Washington State Department of Health has established specific criteria for those seeking to become licensed massage therapists. These standards ensure that practitioners are both skilled and uphold the highest ethical standards.
Prerequisites:
- Be a minimum of 18 years of age.
- Not have knowingly been employed at a sexually-oriented massage establishment.
- Maintain a clean record, with no pleas of "no contest" to prostitution or sexual offenses within the three years leading up to the license application.
- Submit an application form accompanied by a fee of $226.
Insurance Requirements:
- Specific insurance details are not necessary. However, Washington underscores the significance of liability insurance for massage therapists. They should have Personal Liability Coverage with a minimum coverage limit of $1,000,000. This insurance serves as a financial cushion, shielding therapists from potential losses if their services inadvertently lead to harm or unforeseen mishaps occur.
Training:
- Complete a minimum of 500 classroom hours at a recognized or licensed Massage Therapy School. For those educated outside Washington, validation through NCBTMB or evidence of licensure from the respective state is mandatory. The transcript should be provided.
- Successfully pass the MBLEx exam.
Renewal:
- License renewal in Washington is an annual process, with a fee of $166, due every year on the therapist's birthday.
Continuing Education (CEUs):
- Massage therapists are required to complete twenty-four hours of continuing education every two years, due on or before their birthday. This includes 4 units in ethics, 8 in direct massage skills training, and 2 focusing on professional roles and boundaries.
Education and Licensure Requirements: Applicants for a massage therapist license in Washington must fulfill one of the following:
- Complete a massage program approved by the Washington State Board of Massage.
- Hold an active and unrestricted massage license in another state or foreign jurisdiction with education and training requirements substantially equivalent to those of Washington State, as outlined in WAC 246-830-035.
Once all educational, examination, and paperwork prerequisites are met, candidates can forward their credentials to the Washington Department of Public Health. The application should encompass a photograph, proof of massage school graduation, evidence of MBLEx exam clearance, and the application fee. Upon validation and approval, Washington will grant the massage therapist's license.
For those with a passion for teaching, Washington has distinct criteria for instructors. Prospective massage instructors should have a valid Washington license, provide the relevant application form with the associated fee, and demonstrate two years of professional experience.
Embarking on the journey to become a licensed massage therapist in Washington might appear daunting, but it mirrors the state's commitment to ensuring its therapists are proficient, ethical, and adequately safeguarded. The obligatory massage liability insurance in Washington offers both therapists and their clientele a sense of security, emphasizing the robust safety measures in place. Clients can rest assured, knowing their therapist is both licensed and insured.
Washington Massage Therapy Resources
The following are state resources, including some Washington employment statistics, to help you determine if being a massage therapist is right for you: Washington massage employment statistics as of August 15, 2023: $39.78/hour
Source: Indeed.com
Education Requirements: Required Education Hours: 500 hours from an accredited massage therapy school. Applicants must have taken and passed the MBLEx exam.
Source: Washington State Department of Health
CEUs Required: 24 hours of related education every 2 years on or before the practitioner's birthday.
Source: Washington State Department of Health
For additional information about massage therapy in Washington, follow these links: State massage information: Washing State Department of Health
State employment stats: Bls.gov
Compare Washinton massage therapist employment statistics to other states: Bls.gov
Everything You Need to Know About Online Renewals in Washington
Before you begin, ensure you have all your information prepared.
Please note that a $2.50 convenience fee will be added when using the online service with a credit/debit card. This fee is in addition to any other charges. ACH payments do not incur this fee.
Be sure to confirm that any changes you've made to your name or address have been successfully processed.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements: You must have completed 24 CE Hours. Save all your certificates and combine them into a single file for upload.
Renewal Fee: The fee for a one-year license renewal is $166, which can be processed online.
Late and Reinstatement Fees: If your license has expired, there is a late renewal penalty of $75, expired license reissuance of $50, inactive license renewal of $66, or a expired inactive license reissuance of $50. See the Washington State Department of Health's website for more information.
Background Check: The Washington State Department of Health will do a background check on you.
Three Policy Options to Choose From For Washington 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., 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.
450+ Modalities Covered—No Extra Cost
One policy covers you in over 450 modalities, see all here.
Coverage That Follows You
Coverage automatically follows you nationwide.
Free Continuing Education Courses
Access over 55 hours of FREE NCBTMB-approved CEs from Panda Massage as well as discounts to other leading CE providers.
Insurance Marketplace
With the Insurance Marketplace, you will receive concierge access to health, dental, and vision coverage plans.
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.
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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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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.
