If you’ve ever stared at an insurance quote, wondering, “What does any of this mean?” — you’re not alone. Getting the right massage insurance coverage that actually protects your livelihood can be confusing, but you’re in the right place.
Download our free massage therapy liability insurance checklist to stop stressing and guessing. This practical, easy-to-understand tool will help you make an informed decision.
Why Finding the Right Coverage Matters
It’s tempting to go with the first insurance option you find, but without the right coverage, your practice may not be fully protected. Here are some key things to keep in mind.
- If you don’t understand your coverage, you could end up paying for claims on your own (for example, if you think you’re covered for stolen massage equipment, but your policy doesn’t include this protection)
- Beware of cheap policies, fine print, and exclusions, because these details ultimately make or break your eligibility to receive a claim payout
- The way you work should determine your policy choice, as in, independent contractors, mobile therapists, and spa employees all have unique coverage needs
At Beauty & Bodywork Insurance (BBI), we think finding the right massage therapy insurance coverage shouldn’t feel like mind-reading your quiet client’s wants. It should be easy (well, at least easier!), so use the checklist to see exactly what you need.
Still on the fence about insurance? Explore 7 reasons why you need massage therapist insurance. Depending on where you practice, the first reason makes getting covered a non-negotiable.
The Free Checklist: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Massage Therapist Insurance
The massage insurance checklist is your roadmap to getting covered. Go through the steps, answering each question to identify your coverage needs. Once you reach the last step, you will have all the information needed to make a confident purchase.
Here are the essential sections it includes, plus what to know at each step. Follow along with your copy.
Identifying Your Practice
Why it matters: Every massage practice is different, with unique risks. Finding the right coverage starts with considering how and where you work.
How to do it: Outline your day-to-day operations.
What to know:
- If you are self-employed and work as an independent contractor at a spa or clinic, for example, you need your own liability policy to protect your business
- If you work as a W-2 employee, you may be covered under your employer’s insurance policy, but we recommend carrying your own policy for enhanced protection
- If you are a massage therapist who runs your own business with other employees working for you, you may need a spa owner’s insurance policy to cover your entire operation
- If you travel to clients’ homes or work from multiple locations, you probably need coverage for your business tools and supplies on the go
Understanding Core Massage Coverages
Why it matters: Every massage therapist should have these essential insurance coverages because they protect your business against the most common risks.
How to do it: Confirm your policy includes these must-haves:
- General liability insurance: Covers accidents that happen in your space (like slips, trips, or damage to a client’s property)
- Professional liability insurance: Covers claims that your services caused injury or harm (even accidentally or simply perceived)
Plus, these coverages, which typically fall under the umbrella of general liability insurance:
- Products and completed operations insurance: Covers claims related to the products you use and the services you offer, after a client leaves your business
- Personal and advertising injury insurance: Covers non-physical damage caused to others (due to things like libel, slander, or advertising mistakes)
- Fire legal liability insurance: Covers fire damage to your rented space
- Medical expense limit: Pays for minor third-party injuries to help deter clients from taking legal action against your business
What to know: Look for a massage liability policy that combines general and professional liability insurance. Hint: BBI’s policy combines both for $9.99/month. Check out our coverage details.
Choosing Optional Coverage Add-Ons
Why it matters: It’s crucial to fill in your coverage gaps with optional add-ons. Think of these as à la carte upgrades to your policy.
How to do it: Consider your practice and any potential risks your core coverages don’t address. You might add:
- Tools and supplies coverage: Pays to replace your movable business items in case of theft or damage
- Cyber liability insurance: Covers costs of cybersecurity-related claims
- Cupping, microcurrent, or fitness trainer endorsements: Extends coverage to specialized treatments you may offer
- Sexual abuse and molestation (SAM) insurance: Protects your practice if you’re accused of inappropriate behavior (currently unavailable for male massage therapists)
What to know: Coverage add-ons often cost less than you’d expect (for example, coverage for your tools starts at $2/month with BBI) and can end up saving you thousands of dollars.
Comparing Policies Across Providers
Why it matters: Some policies look similar but vary wildly in what they cover. Compare massage insurance options to find the coverage that’s right for you.
How to do it: Create a quick table for 2–3 providers and list:
- Monthly and annual premiums: How much you pay to get covered
- Deductibles: The amount you have to pay for a claim until coverage kicks in
- Coverage limits: the maximum amounts your insurer will pay per occurrence (claim) or aggregate (for the total policy year)
- Exclusions: Modalities not covered
- Ease of purchase: Can you buy online, get instant coverage, and edit your policy anytime?
- Claims process: Can you easily file a claim online?
- Online support: Is their customer support team available to help? (Bonus: BBI has licensed, U.S.-based, non-commissioned agents)
What to know:
- Massage therapy insurance cost is an important factor, but it shouldn’t be your only criteria. Look for affordable policies with robust coverage to match.
- The industry standard for coverage limits is $2 million per claim and $3 million aggregate.
- Some states have massage therapy insurance requirements, with specific coverage limits — check your state’s licensing board for the most current information.
Red Flags to Watch For
Why it matters: Some massage insurance policies may hide crucial gaps that end up costing you big. Identify these now so there aren’t any surprises later.
How to do it: Read fine print carefully.
What to know:
Be wary of red flags like:
- Low coverage limits
- Vague exclusions
- Hard-to-reach customer support
- Irrelevant benefits that cost you extra
Final Details to Confirm
- Your coverage start and end dates
- Certificate of insurance (COI) for proof of coverage
- How to reach your insurance carrier (if it’s separate from the policy provider)
- Renewal and cancellation terms
Quick Comprehension Check
Why it matters: It’s essential to pause and ensure you understand the coverage you’re buying.
How to do it: Ask yourself:
- Do I know what’s covered and what isn’t?
- Can I explain my policy to another therapist?
- Do I feel confident that this policy fits how I work?
What to know: Talk to an agent if you have more questions. BBI’s customer service team is always happy to help guide you to the coverage you need.
Buy Your Coverage
Finally, you’ve compared options, understand your policy, and feel confident your practice is truly protected. All that’s left to do is purchase your policy!
BBI: Supporting Your Practice at Every Stage
Whether you’re a solo practitioner or have plans to grow your practice, BBI is here to support your massage therapy business at every stage. Once you complete your massage insurance checklist, come back and get an instant quote with us!
BBI’s massage policy starts at $9.99/month, covers you wherever you work, and is backed by a top-rated carrier. Our coverage is designed to give you true peace of mind, so you can focus on helping clients feel better.
Nearly 70,000 beauty and bodywork professionals trust BBI to protect their businesses — join your industry peers today!
FAQs About How to Choose Massage Therapist Insurance
What Insurance Do Massage Therapists Need?
At a minimum, massage therapists need general liability insurance to cover general third-party accidents and professional liability insurance for service-related claims.
Depending on your practice, you may also need coverage for your tools and supplies, cyber liability, or protection against sexual misconduct claims.
Learn more: Insurance 101.
Do Massage Therapists Need Professional Liability Insurance?
Yes, you absolutely need professional liability insurance — accidental injury from service is the most common claim massage therapists face! This essential coverage protects your practice against claims of real or perceived professional mistakes.
Carrying insurance is just one way to safeguard your business. Check out more massage therapist risk management tips.
How Do I Choose the Right Massage Therapy Insurance?
Watch out for common massage therapy insurance mistakes when shopping by carefully reviewing your policy, understanding your coverage and exclusions, and not buying based on price alone.
How Much Does Massage Therapy Insurance Cost?
BBI’s massage therapy insurance starts at $9.99/month or $96/year. Our top-rated coverage is so affordable because we specialize in covering the beauty and bodywork industry — no one else.
JoAnne Hammer | Program Manager
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for Beauty and Bodywork Insurance. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for Beauty and Bodywork Insurance. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
