Massage therapy, covered for the table.
Professional liability, general liability and abuse and molestation coverage for independent massage therapists, therapists renting a room, and massage studios and spas.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
The session is the exposure
Massage claims usually come from the treatment: a client who says a technique caused an injury, a burn from hot stones, or a reaction to an oil or lotion. That's professional liability. The harder exposure is an allegation of inappropriate touching, which many policies exclude or limit, so it's worth confirming how a policy handles abuse and molestation before you buy.
Therapists who rent a room or work as contractors usually need their own policy, and the studio, spa or landlord often wants to be named on it. Studios with employees need workers' comp and coverage for the space. I place both, with carriers that write massage.
- Professional liabilityInjury claims arising from the massage itself.
- Abuse and molestationCoverage for misconduct allegations, often limited or excluded.
- General liabilitySlips, falls and injuries in your space.
- Workers' compRequired in California once you have employees.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Services: massage types, hot stones, cupping and any other treatments.
- Credentials: CAMTC certification and any city permits.
- Where you work: your own studio, a rented room, a spa or clients' homes.
- Therapists: employees, independent contractors and room renters.
- Revenue: annual revenue and payroll.
- History: current policies and any claims or complaints.
Massage therapist insurance, answered
Does general liability cover a client injured during a massage?
Usually not. Injuries from the treatment itself fall under professional liability. General liability covers things like a client slipping on the way to the table.
Is abuse or misconduct covered?
It depends on the policy. Many exclude abuse and molestation claims or cover them at a lower limit. Studios and spas often carry a separate abuse limit, and I'll show you how each option handles it.
I rent a room in a spa. Do I need my own policy?
Usually yes. The spa's policy typically covers its own business and employees, not independent therapists, and many spas and landlords require renters to carry a policy that names them.
Is CAMTC certification required in California?
Certification by the California Massage Therapy Council is voluntary at the state level, but many cities require it or a local permit to practice, and carriers ask about it.
Do massage studios need workers' comp?
Yes, once you have employees. California requires it. How therapists are classified matters, so tell me who is an employee and who is a contractor.
Do you offer massage therapist insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me about your practice. I'll shop it.
Your services, where you work and your credentials are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.