My insurance renewal came in the mail yesterday. I stayed with AMTA for five years, and I have now been with with ABMP for five years. For most of us we think about AMTA vs ABMP membership, or maybe both. I was thinking it may be time for a change. Truthfully I was happy with both AMTA and ABMP. Maybe I should return to AMTA. I love AMTA’s get togethers at the Spring and Fall Conventions, I like the online information and interaction at www.massageandbodywork.com by ABMP and their magazine, Massage and Bodywork. After IMA bit the dust this year, Massage Mag announced it was offering an insurnance plan for massage professionals. With a cheaper rate ($159 per year) then the others it was worth some investigating. First problem, I did not see my primary modality, Ashiatsu, listed as a covered modality. Checking your modalilties is something you should always check with in an insurance provider. Especially if you provide non-massage related services such as aesthetics, ear candling, or Raindrop therapy. These are not something I provide, so I do not worry about the coverage. After a quick email, their insurance agent assured me that Ashiatsu was covered. I also did not see a subscription to Massage Mag on the benefits. It does not come with the package, but she said the do run specials that do include the subscription. Also, I was told that with every new member who joins this December, a donation to Toys for Tots would be made. I do not know what I will choose, but there are options.
Which do you belong to AMTA, ABMP, Massage Mag, Former IMA, Hands on Trade, or other? Are you happy? What do you look for in an insurance provider? What benefit is most important to you?
Ivy Hultquist
LMT, Massage Continuing Education Provider
Things to consider when choosing a provider: What is important to you?
- Amount of Insurance Coverage
- Modalities covered
- Cost
- Colleague Interaction
- Personal Website
- Extas – Magazine, Newletters, Client Education Materials
- Effort to education public about massage
- Support of massage related research
- Customer Support
- Extra Insurance Coverage Aesthetics, Rental, Trip and Fall
- Continuing Education Offering
- Requirement for Coverage (0 Hours -500 hours?)
- Requirement for CEU’s
- Other Discounts
- Agree with your thoughts on the massage field (Requirement for licensure, scope of practice, entry exams)
I found American Massage Counsil.
It looks like liability insurance is itemized in a way that that someone who just needs coverage for hands on may save money.
Slip and fall insurance can be added later.
Hi Ivy!
I am currently checking insurance as I renew this month. I have had ABMP for several years, and like them. I too, have been checking others that maybe I would like even more. I found one called InsureLMT..have you heard of them? According to their website, their platinum membership has unlimited NCBTMB approved Continuing Education included with that membership, which is $155 per year. The continuing ed is online from a library of 200 hours of courses.
I called NCBTMB to find out if that is legit, and was told that Yes!, the company that InsureLMT partnered with for the continuing ed part is NCBTMB approved and all the classes they offer are approved. Yay!
Do you know anything about the other parts of insurance they offer?..I have not called them to ask questions..yet. Obviously, I’m confidently certain we all hope to not ever have to use some parts of any of the insurance!
Thank you for writing! Hope you’re enjoying your day! -Dani 🙂
I have never heard of them, but I certainly look at their website.
Thank you for all of your help! You really help a lot of people!! 🙂
Have you written your review of Massage Mag Insurance yet? I am a new Reiki Practitioner and this company is recommended by Reiki.org:
http://www.reikimembership.com/Insurance.aspx
I am not 100% sure, but I think it’s Massage Mag Insurance. Can you verify that? And what do you think of the insurance they offer?
I have not done a review. But I do see Reiki practitioners listed on this page for their coverage –> https://www.massageliabilityinsurancegroup.com/
I have been a therapist for 20 years and I used IMA.
I never even received notice they shut down.
So Im looking for liability and Disability insurance.
I use to pay $159.00 a year for both.
How much is both thru AMTA and how do I sign up for both on line?
I read where Amta was offering the $159.00 Price since IMA closed down.
If so Im not able to fine it.
Please email with the total cost of each insurance separate and together. Plus how to sign up on line please.
Thank You,
AMTA has different levels depending on what options you choose and if they have a disability option.
If you google AMTA membership and same for ABMP the links to the info will come right up!
Just wondering if you have had time to write up your review of the Massage Mag Insurance? I have had other insurance for years, but am being tempted to switch. Your comment about really liking it has me even more curious….
Thanks!
Oh Dawn,
I have been meaning to do it for months! I thought no one would notice. Okay, I am putting it on my priority list! I really do like the insurance coverage and the customer service I have received. If you are frequent AMTA convention goer (and get the AMTA discount because you are a member) then I would consider sticking with AMTA coverage because it would be more cost effective.
Hi I am a new MT, I joined AMTA last year. My renewal letter recently came in the mail and I was wondering if I could just not renew and switch to a different insurance? I was looking at Massage Mag as well. Is it just that simple to switch? Thank you so much!!! – Emily
Hi Emily,
Your comment reminds me that I need to post my year end review of Massage Mag Ins (Hint – I really liked it.) Anyway…
Yes, you can just not renew and move on to something new.
Step one – Make your new insurance effective on the day your insurance expires, if not a little before. You do not want to have a lapse in coverage. You could very easily purchase new insurance now, and then just provide them the effective coverage date of when you want insurance to begin.
Step two – Once you have confirmed coverage of your new insurance, just do not pay your renewal coverage. I do not think any of the companies have an automatic debit, so I would not think you would need to worry about that.
Please let me know if you have any other questions! Take care, Ivy
I was curious;I’ve been using AMTA insurance for many years,but the MMIP is tempting, because of the free c.e. courses
(up to 200), however,Oklahoma only acknowledges AMTA & ABMP according to their website in regards to state to state reciprocity.I’m not sure about other states, but magazine massage insurance sounds to good to be true. Thoughts?