Professional indemnity insurance for a massage therapist is usually the smaller half of the policy. The section that matters most is treatment liability, because the likely claim is harm caused by the treatment itself rather than a financial loss from advice, and the two are separate covers on a combined therapist policy.
Treatment liability, which is the main section
Cover for injury caused by the treatment you gave. A strain, a burn from a hot stone, a reaction to an oil, an aggravation of an existing condition. It is distinct from public liability, which answers for the client who trips on the way in, and from professional indemnity, which answers for advice that caused a financial loss.
Declaring every technique
Insurers rate modalities separately: deep tissue, sports, aromatherapy, hot stone, cupping, reflexology, pregnancy massage. A technique added after the policy started and not declared is an undeclared activity, and it is the commonest reason a therapy claim is argued. Listing everything takes five minutes at renewal.
Where you work
A room you rent, a clinic, a client's home, a workplace or an event each change the public liability position, and mobile practice is rated separately by some insurers. Room providers almost always require a certificate showing public liability at a stated limit before you can book.
What clients and events ask to see
Room providers, gyms, clinics and event organisers almost always ask for a certificate showing public liability and treatment liability at a stated limit before allowing you to work. Corporate wellbeing bookings frequently ask for a higher figure than a small clinic does. Checking the requirement before buying saves raising a limit later, which is simple but avoidable.
Questions people ask about professional indemnity insurance massage therapist
Do I need professional indemnity as well as treatment liability?
Most combined therapist policies carry both. Treatment liability answers for harm from the treatment; professional indemnity answers for advice that caused a financial loss.
Do I have to declare every technique?
Yes. Insurers rate modalities separately and an undeclared one may not be covered.
Does it cover mobile practice?
Usually, but it is rated separately by some insurers. Say where you work as well as what you do.