If you work as a massage therapist, you need insurance. Whether you have your own practice or work for someone else, liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong. Here is what to know about insurance and other business basics.
Why you need liability insurance
Liability insurance covers you if a client gets hurt during a session or claims you caused an injury. Without it, you could be personally responsible for medical bills, legal fees, and damages. Many employers require it. Some states require it for licensure or renewal.
- Professional liability (malpractice) covers claims of injury from treatment
- General liability covers slips, falls, and property damage at your location
- Product liability covers reactions to oils, lotions, or products you use
How much does insurance cost?
Massage therapy liability insurance usually costs $150 to $350 per year. ABMP includes insurance with their membership ($199/year). AMTA includes it too ($235/year). Standalone policies from companies like Massage Magazine Insurance Plus or HPSO are also available if you do not want a full membership.
Other business basics
If you run your own practice, there are a few more things to set up:
- 1Get a business license from your city or county
- 2Set up an LLC or sole proprietorship for tax purposes
- 3Open a business bank account to keep finances separate
- 4Track income and expenses for tax time
Track your CE hours with RubCE
Running a practice means a lot of things to keep track of. RubCE takes one thing off your plate by tracking your CE hours and renewal deadlines. It loads your state rules and sends reminders. Free for one license on iPhone and Android.