Ohio treats its massage therapists (MTs) with respect, being the first state to legally register the profession almost a hundred years ago, in 1916. Like all professions, therapeutic massage has some inherent risks, which are further magnified by the intimate nature of the job. If you are currently a massage practitioner, a lawsuit for injury, damage or misconduct is an everlasting threat hanging over your head. Luckily, massage liability insurance is an indispensable method of protecting your income and public image.
What Does MT Liability Insurance Cover?
Insurance for massage is broken down into two broad categories: professional liability insurance and general liability insurance.
Professional liability insurance safeguards you from the cost of fighting and paying lawsuits that a disgruntled customer may file against you claiming bodily injury or damage as a result of something you did. General liability insurance is a general-purpose insurance that safeguards from any damages, most prevalently used for slip and fall accidents. Knowing that there is a way of paying for any unwelcome lawsuits can mean the difference between having a steady income source or being forced to file bankruptcy from fighting a lawsuit filed against you.
As you are beginning the process of purchasing insurance, you will be asked for your massage license. This license is issued by the Government of Ohio at the time of passing the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam), which is conducted by the Federation State Massage Therapy Boards.
Different providers demand various additional requirements, getting stricter as the claim limits increase. Ideally, most providers will ask for 500 hours or 4 years' worth of CEUs (Continuing Education Hours) of course work. Another additional requirement may include hours spent practicing massage therapy professionally. Insurance coverage can be bought by both practicing therapists as well as students. The cost ranges between $99-$235 per year for professionals and $25-$77 for students, and the claim limits can run into millions of dollars per occurrence.
Can Liability Insurance for MTs Cover be Extended?
Yes, your policy can be extended to include additional insureds, depending on the company. Some companies may provide coverage for rental damage, property damage, equipment damage, advertising damage and even fire damage.
A massage professional can be vexed about the inherent risks of their profession, even as he/she works on alleviating someone else's stress. Getting massage liability insurance will help you protect your income and public image from unwelcome changes. If you are still practicing massage without liability coverage, or if your coverage is insufficient or due for renewal, speak to an insurance provider today.