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What is massage therapist insurance?

Massage therapist insurance protects RMTs from a variety of liability and damage risks associated with their practice. It’s a customizable product that can be tailored to fit a sole proprietor, small business, or larger practice, based on the needs of the organization. The nature of the massage therapy industry means that RMTs are vulnerable to physical injury claims. Whether a claim made by a client is valid or not, the accusation alone can necessitate legal fees. Plus, any business may also have to deal with situations like equipment damage or unforeseen disruptions to operations. That’s why a massage therapist insurance policy can be vital. Whether it’s helping you pay to replace the carpet in your building after a pipe burst or shielding you from paying a legal settlement, having coverage allows you to focus on your clients, and not your finances.

What massage therapist insurance includes

Though an RMT insurance policy can be altered to suit the practitioner or business it’s meant to protect, most massage therapists in Canada will start with the following coverages. These coverages collectively protect RMTs from the most common types of claims they are likely to face.

• Professional liability insurance: This coverage shields you from claims of malpractice. If, for instance, a client says that a session resulted in a serious injury, professional liability insurance will help pay for any legal fees or medical expenses.
• General liability insurance: This generally covers accidents and injuries that take place on your business premises. If someone trips and falls at reception, general liability insurance will help you pay for any medical expenses or legal fees.
• Commercial property insurance: Protects your equipment and office space from damage due to fire, theft, or other covered events.

Recommended add-ons for massage therapist insurance coverage

Depending on the needs of the specific person or business, any number of coverages can be included in a massage therapist insurance plan. These outlined below are among the most popular add-ons for RMTs in Canada who are looking for an added layer of security.

• Business interruption insurance: This covers lost income and operating expenses if your business is temporarily closed due to an event covered by the policy.
• Commercial auto insurance: RMTs who drive to their client’s homes will need commercial auto insurance. It protects the vehicle and equipment in transit and offers liability coverage for third-party injury or damage.

Common types of massage therapist insurance claims

Though massage therapists face numerous perils related to their work, some kinds of claims are more common than others. The most common types of insurance claims filed by RMTs in Canada include:

• Massage injury claim: A client might allege that your massage technique caused an injury, such as a muscle strain or nerve damage.
• Non-massage injury claim: Injuries that happen before or after a massage, like tripping and falling, are also common in the industry.
• Property damage claim: Accidental damage to a client's property, like spilling oil on their clothes, could result in a claim.

How much does massage therapy insurance cost?

The cost of a massage therapist insurance policy will vary, depending on a handful of factors inherent to the business. For example, someone who works out of their home as a sole proprietor faces different risks than a business owner renting an office and employing 10 people, and these differences are reflected in the cost of insurance.

Things like your area of operations, the amount of coverage you get, your claims history, and the value of your equipment and revenue will also have an impact on your insurance premiums. On average, Canadian massage therapists can expect to pay between $500 and $2,500 annually for a comprehensive insurance package. But keep in mind that this range is not applicable for all businesses. To find out how much RMT insurance will cost you, the best thing to do is get a quote.

How to get the cheapest massage therapist insurance rates

There are some things about a business that are not easy to change – e.g. its location, its revenue, its services, etc. – but there are certain things a massage therapist can do to reduce the cost of an insurance policy.

• Setting coverage limits: Your coverage limits denote the maximum amount of money your insurer will provide for each type of claim. Higher limits will mean higher premiums.
• Setting deductibles: Similarly, your deductible sets the limit for how much you’ll pay out of pocket if a claim is filed. Setting a higher deductible will help lower your premiums.
• Maintaining safety standards: Accidents may never be entirely avoidable, but making an effort can reduce their likelihood. Maintaining a claims-free history will help keep premiums lower.
• Understanding what’s needed: Getting protection for relevant perils is a good business decision but getting coverage for things you don’t need isn’t. Make sure your policy doesn’t have coverages that you’ll never need, and you can keep your premiums down.
• Compare rates: Different insurance providers will offer different prices based on their own assessment of risk. This means that Company A, Company B, Company C, and so on, may all offer different rates for the same massage therapist insurance package. Consequently, getting multiple quotes is the best way to save money when purchasing an insurance policy.

Massage therapist insurance in Canada: what you need to know

Massage therapist insurance is not a legal requirement for RMTs in Canada. However, the nature of the job carries with it an element of risk that makes insurance a wise investment. The most persistent peril RMTs face is claims of professional liability due to injury caused by a treatment. But, there are other perils, like general liability and equipment damage that practitioners need to be aware of. If you are an RMT who is not a business owner or self-employed, you may have insurance through your employer. Even still, you may opt for additional coverage through a separate policy. Whether or not this is necessary will depend on the coverage you’re being provided. Asking your employer for a copy of their policy for you can help you make an informed decision as to whether additional coverage is a good idea.