Connecticut Massage Liability Insurance Guidelines

When people hear the term ‘malpractice insurance’, they automatically think of doctor error and mistakes on the operating table. Most often, malpractice insurance is reserved for physicians who practice and perform invasive, delicate, and life-or-death operations. However, malpractice insurance is necessary for a variety of doctors, including professional touch therapists. Massage liability insurance provides safety for massage practitioners in the event that a current or former patient sues them. While massage therapy may appear to be a risk-free endeavor, no one can control or predict the decisions of patients. In an age where suing is second nature, even when the problem that is rising seems so minor, massage professionals need to have the protection afforded by insurance.

The decision regarding whether or not to have bodyworker insurance is often not left to the practitioner, as many states require that professional bodyworkers have coverage. However, in Connecticut, insurance for massage professionals is optional for every therapist. Though it is not demanded by the state to be a licensed masseuse in Connecticut, having coverage can help secure new clients. Especially for clients seeking a long-term massage therapist, knowing that the person is both licensed and insured can go a long way in guaranteeing peace of mind. Carrying insurance coverage protects the therapist in the event that their services do more harm than good. Additionally, the insurance offers coverage in the unlikely event a person slips and falls at the office or has any other type of accident while on the premises.

Any individual who wishes to become a massage therapist in Connecticut must have completed at least 500 classroom hours of training with a certified instructor. While the applicant has the ability to choose the school and instructor, the instruction must have been approved by the state to offer massage therapist licensing. It is important to note that the training must be completed in-person and not done online.In addition to the classroom training, the applicant must take and pass the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. This exam covers all aspects of therapeutic massage and ensures that the test taker is prepared and ready to be a therapist. A temporary permit is also available to those potential LMTs who have completed an approved educational program, granting them the ability to practice massage for a limited period before becoming licensed.

After passing the exam, individuals can apply directly to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Along with the completed application, individuals must submit a photograph, proof of completion of a massage school, proof of passage of the NCBTMB, and a $375 fee. As long as the required paperwork and coursework is complete, the state of Connecticut will issue a massage therapist’s license.

Clearly, while massage insurance is not a requirement of a therapist in Connecticut, having the coverage is beneficial for both the therapist and the client, as it offers the peace of mind in knowing that if something goes awry, coverage is available, and customers are at ease that their therapist is both licensed and insured.

The following are Connecticut state resources, including some employment statistics, to help you determine if being a massage therapist is right for you:

Connecticut Massage Therapy Resources:

State of Connecticut massage employment statistics as of May, 2017:
Licensed Therapists: 3,024
Mean Hourly Wage: $20.94
Annual Mean Wage: $43,560
Source: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ct.htm

Education Requirements
Required Education Hours: 500 hours
Exam Administered: MBLEx
CEUs Required: 24 hours every 4 years 
Source: https://www.massagetherapylicense.org/state/connecticut-massage-license.html

Other Requirements: Liability Insurance
For one low flat fee, massage therapists can receive the quality, comprehensive coverage they deserve, avoiding the costly impact that a lawsuit can bring. Even the most careful massage therapists can make a mistake, or encounter one of those hard-to-please clients that finds fault in a treatment, even if nothing really went wrong.
Application Process: Online Application for immediate approval.

For additional information about massage therapy:
State employment stats: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ct.htm

Compare Connecticut’s massage therapist employment statistics to other states:
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319011.htm