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Massage Therapy Insurance
Massage therapy insurance, also known as RMT insurance, helps protect you from the many risks that come with your profession. While clients turn to you to reduce pain and stress, coverage ensures you can operate your business with confidence and peace of mind.
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APOLLO and Gallagher Partner to Protect Your Business
We've partnered with Gallagher, one of Canada's leading insurance brokers, to provide insurance designed for businesses and business professionals. Get professional liability, general liability, and/or contents insurance designed specifically for your profession.
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Choose the payment plan that suits you best.
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Three kinds of coverages included in Massage Therapist Insurance
Professional Liability Insurance
Professional liability insurance, also known as medical malpractice insurance for massage therapists, responds to lawsuits claiming a business owner was providing unsatisfactory, negligent, or falsified services to a client.
General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance for massage therapists is the most basic form of coverage that absorbs any fees associated with accidents during day-to-day business operations. Typically, this policy is used against third-party claims of property damage or bodily injury.
Contents Insurance
Contents insurance for massage therapists covers any damages or losses that occur due to a covered peril. Possessing this kind of policy is especially important if they own or lease their own client that stores any company-owned equipment or furniture.
Massage Therapists Offer More Than Relaxation
As a massage therapist, you’re more than someone who eases sore muscles.
You’re a trained health and wellness professional trusted to care for your clients’ bodies. Every session is personal. Whether you’re helping someone recover from an injury, reduce stress, or maintain mobility, they rely on your expertise and judgment.
Whether you practice out of your own clinic, rent space in a wellness centre, or travel to clients’ homes, there are different types of massage therapy insurance coverage you need to protect yourself and the people you care for.
You’re Not Just a Therapist. You’re a Business Owner
Clients come to you with aches, injuries, or health concerns, often placing their physical wellbeing entirely in your hands. With that trust comes responsibility.
Insurance helps safeguard your practice. From liability risks if a client claims they were injured during treatment, to property coverage if your equipment or workspace is damaged, having the right protection lets you focus on what you do best: supporting your clients’ health.
You’re legally and professionally expected to deliver care with a standard that reflects your training and expertise, and massage therapy insurance makes sure you’re covered if something unexpected happens
Commonly Asked Questions About Massage Therapy Insurance
Do massage therapists really need insurance in Canada?
Yes. Whether you operate out of a clinic, wellness centre, or travel to clients’ homes, you can be held liable if a client claims your treatment caused injury or if an accident happens in your workspace. Insurance protects you from costly legal fees, settlements, and property damage expenses.
What type of insurance does a massage therapist need?
While your risks are unique to your particular profession, most Massage Therapist Insurance includes:
Professional liability insurance (covers claims that your treatment or advice caused harm)
General liability insurance (covers accidents like slips, trips, or property damage during a session)
Contents or property insurance (protects your massage table, equipment, and supplies)
How much does RMT insurance cost?
On average, most massage therapists in Canada pay $25 to $80 per month, depending on your location, the services you offer, your annual income, and the amount of coverage you choose.
Is insurance required to practice massage therapy?
In many provinces, yes. Professional associations and licensing bodies often require proof of liability coverage before you can practice. Landlords and clinic owners may also require you to list them as an “Additional Insured” on your policy.
Am I covered if I do mobile or in-home massages?
Yes. Insurance follows you wherever you work, whether that’s a rented clinic space, a client’s living room, or even a hotel spa event.
What if I only offer relaxation massage? Do I still need coverage?
Absolutely. Even a light-pressure or relaxation session can lead to unexpected claims, like a client alleging soreness, allergic reactions to oils, or slipping on the way out. Insurance ensures you’re protected, no matter the type of massage.
How quickly can I get proof of massage therapist insurance?
With APOLLO, you can get a quote, buy online, and download your Certificate of Insurance (COI) instantly. That means you can start booking clients right away.
How Much Does Massage Therapy Insurance Cost in Canada?
In most cases, a massage therapy insurance policy costs less than a single client session, and it's definitely less than paying out of pocket for an unexpected claim.
Most massage therapists can expect to pay between $25 to $80 per month for a comprehensive insurance policy. This can vary depending on factors like where you practice, what types of treatments you provide, and the size of your client base.
Here’s what impacts the cost of your policy:
Where You Practice
Do you rent a clinic space downtown? Operate from a wellness centre? Visit clients at their homes?
Your work environment plays a big role in both your risk level and your premium.
Types of Treatments Offered
Do you focus on relaxation massage, or do you offer higher-risk techniques like deep tissue or sports massage?
Specialized services can carry more liability, which may affect your coverage cost.
Annual Revenue or Client Volume
Solo practitioner with a small roster, or fully booked with repeat clients every week?
The larger your practice, the greater your exposure, which can slightly raise your premium.
In-Person vs. Mobile Appointments
Do clients come to you, or do you travel to them?
Mobile work can bring unique risks (like transporting equipment), while clinic-based practices face different exposures.
Coverage Limits
Many landlords, associations, or licensing bodies require at least $2M in liability coverage.
You can always adjust higher or lower depending on your needs and comfort level.
Where Massage Therapists Work Matters
Massage therapists work in all kinds of settings — from private clinics and wellness centres to client homes. Each environment brings its own set of risks, and when you add in Canada’s unpredictable climate, unexpected incidents are always a possibility.
Here are examples of location-related risks and how insurance can protect you:
Icy Entrances in Edmonton
Alberta winters are no joke. Freeze-thaw cycles can make sidewalks, parking lots, and front steps dangerously slick. If you’re visiting a client at home or welcoming them to your clinic, you could be held responsible if they get injured on the way in.
Example: A client slips on icy steps outside a home appointment, fracturing their wrist. They file a claim alleging unsafe conditions.
Insurance Solution: General liability insurance covers medical costs and legal fees if someone is hurt while arriving for, or leaving from, a session, even if it’s not technically your property.
Rainy Days in Vancouver
Vancouver’s constant drizzle doesn’t just dampen moods, it can ruin expensive massage gear. Portable tables, linens, and lotions are all at risk if you travel for appointments or store supplies in your vehicle.
Example: After a mobile session, water seeps into your trunk during a downpour, damaging your massage table and oil stock.
Insurance Solution: Contents insurance reimburses you for weather-damaged equipment, ensuring you don’t have to cancel sessions while replacing essentials.
Humid Summers in Toronto
Ontario’s muggy summers can create problems inside treatment spaces. Without proper cooling and ventilation, humidity can damage equipment and even contribute to mold or mildew, which clients may blame on your workspace.
Example: A client complains of breathing issues after a session in a poorly ventilated treatment room. They file a claim, alleging unsafe conditions.
Insurance Solution: Professional liability coverage protects you if a client alleges harm caused by your treatment environment, even when you’ve done your best to maintain safe conditions.
Slippery Walkways in Halifax
The Maritimes’ beautiful fall foliage comes with plenty of wet leaves and slick walkways. When you’re carrying equipment to mobile appointments or welcoming clients during rainy seasons, accidents can happen fast.
Example: While entering a client’s home for a mobile massage, you slip on wet leaves and drop your massage table, injuring the client’s foot. They sue for damages.
Insurance Solution: General liability insurance covers injury-related claims so one accident doesn’t derail your business.
What Landlords & Associations Require from Massage Therapists
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Certificate of Insurance (COI)
This document proves you have active coverage, and most landlords or wellness centres won’t let you work without it. With APOLLO, you can download your COI instantly after purchasing your policy online, so you can start seeing clients right away.
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Additional Insured
Landlords, clinic owners, and even coworking wellness spaces may require their name to be added to your policy as an “additional insured.” This gives them protection if a client ever decides to file a claim.
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Minimum Liability Requirements
Many professional associations and landlords require at least $2 million in general liability coverage, though some may ask for more. APOLLO’s policies are flexible, so you can scale your coverage to match what’s needed.
Liability Quiz
Am I liable if a client slips on a wet floor in my clinic lobby?
Yes. Even if it happens before the session starts, you could be responsible for medical costs.
Am I liable if a client feels worse after a deep tissue treatment?
Yes. If they claim your techniques caused additional pain or injury, you could face a professional liability claim.
Am I liable if I accidentally damage a client’s property during an in-home massage?
Yes. Knocking over a lamp or spilling oil on expensive furniture could result in you paying out of pocket, unless you’re covered.
Am I covered if I offer free massages to friends or family?
Yes. Even if you’re not charging, you can still be held liable if something goes wrong.
The Cost of Not Having Massage Therapist Insurance
Scenario | Out-of-Pocket Cost (Without Insurance) | Covered by Insurance? |
A client claims your treatment caused a muscle tear and sues for medical costs. | $5,000–$25,000+ (depending on outcome) | ✔ Professional Liability |
Your portable massage table is stolen from your car. | $1,500–$3,000+ | ✔ Contents Coverage |
A client slips on your clinic’s stairs and sprains their ankle. | $10,000–$50,000+ (legal + settlement) | ✔ General Liability |
An electrical issue causes a small fire in your rented treatment room, damaging equipment. | $5,000–$15,000 | ✔ Commercial Property |
Insurance Is a Business Essential, Not Just a Backup Plan
Massage Therapist Insurance offers more than just coverage for your business. It’s a professional tool that builds trust, keeps you compliant, and helps your practice grow. Here’s how:
Qualify for more opportunities – Landlords, clinics, and wellness centres often require proof of insurance before you can work there.
Earn client trust – A Certificate of Insurance shows clients you’re credible and professional.
Protect your space and tools – From portable tables to specialized equipment, insurance makes sure you’re not paying out of pocket to replace essentials.
Leave room for growth – Thinking about subcontractors, workshops, or expanding your services? Insurance is part of a strong foundation.
Top 5 Mistakes Massage Therapists Make (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Assuming your clinic or wellness centre covers you
Many spaces require you to carry your own policy. Don’t rely on theirs.
2. Waiting until your first appointment to get insured
You need coverage in place before you start, not after something goes wrong.
3. Underinsuring your equipment
Massage tables, chairs, and supplies add up fast. Make sure your policy covers their full value.
4. Forgetting to list landlords or clinic owners as Additional Insured
It’s often a requirement, and skipping it can void your agreement.
5. Believing “low risk” means no risk
Relaxation sessions, loyal clients, or small-scale practices don’t make you immune to claims. Coverage is essential for everyone in the profession.