Liability Insurance Guide for Complementary and Alternative Medicines
Why Do I need Liability Coverage
You can, of course, forgo any liability coverage and assume the entire risk. You can do this as long as you are 100% certain you will not suffer a major loss. However, since risk is impossible to predict, a better option is to pass any risks you feel would be detrimental to you, your career, and your family to an insurance carrier. Despite your best efforts to have a safe environment, accidents can still happen.
When Should I Get a Policy?
You should consider purchasing liability insurance WHEN YOU ENROLL in your professional classes and begin to work with the public, as well as when you begin your career and practice professionally. Personal trainer liability insurance and other liability coverage is generally available to first-time students at discounted rates.
What's the Difference Between Occurrence Form Coverage and Claims Made?
Occurrence form coverage means claims arising out of incidents that occur during the policy term are covered, even if they are reported after the end of the policy term. Claims-made coverage means claims arising out of incidents that occur during the policy term are covered only if they are also reported before the end of the policy term. Some claims-made policy forms allow for an extended reporting period beyond the policy term at an additional cost. Occurrence form coverage or claims-made coverage with an extended reporting period are generally the best options, compared to pure claims-made coverage.
Learn More about the industry-preferred Occurrence Form Policy
NACAMS Professional Policy
EXTRA BENEFITS
When Should I Get A Policy?
What's the Difference Between Occurrence Form and Claims Made
How Much Coverage Do I Need?
What Types of Policies are There?
How Much Coverage Do I Need?
Most programs offer liability protection at $1 million or $2 million per occurrence, during the term. Annual aggregate coverage generally ranges between $2 million and $3 million for all claims during the term. Per occurrence means the maximum amount of coverage available for each individual incident which results in a claim. Individual annual aggregate means the maximum amount of coverage available for all claims made during the course of the policy year.
What Types of Policies are There?
Most liability insurance plans include general liability (trip and fall), professional liability (malpractice), and products coverage (e.g., adverse reaction to products you may use). Some programs offer additional coverage, as well. You should check with the program sponsor for details.
Liability Coverage
When looking for complementary and alternative medicine insurance, it is important to know the details of your coverage. Our range of policies incorporates several different types of liability coverage as well as other protective coverage. When you become a policyholder with NACAMS, your policy includes coverage for professional liability, general liability, product liability, rental property damage protection, identity theft protection, and stolen/damaged equipment coverage.
General Liability Explained
The term “general liability” refers to incidents that could occur due to negligence. These accidents are not specifically related to your profession. These types of insurance claims are often called “trip and fall” claims, as these are the most common types of insurance claims.
General liability protection is essential for any worker in alternative and complementary medicine. While you certainly could elect to have no coverage, that would mean that you would be entirely responsible for a lawsuit or general liability claim.
The truth is, no one can predict when something bad will happen. Whether a client trips over a piece of equipment or perhaps slips on a puddle on the floor, accidents can happen to anyone. It is far better to be prepared for a general liability claim than to get caught off guard.
Professional Liability
Professional liabilities are occupational hazards that directly result from your professional work. These claims are also known as malpractice suits. As a worker in complementary and alternative medicine, facing a professional liability claim can have a significant impact on your career.
Professional liability claims are often a result of mishandling a client, performing a service incorrectly, or an accident that causes bodily harm and injury to your client. These claims could be incidents such as torn tendons, accidental burns, a wound or punctures, or overexertion.
As a professional who works with your clients closely, professional liability coverage is the protection you need should something go wrong. Not only will coverage help you feel at ease, but it will help secure your finances in the event of a professional liability claim or lawsuit.
Defining Product Liability
Product liabilities are claims that involve the additives and products that you use in your profession. Some examples of products are oils or aromatic agents used in massage, creams or makeup used in estheticians’ work, or hair products used in cosmetology. Product liability claims typically involve an adverse reaction to one of these products, which results in bodily harm.
Though some of the fields we cover will use fewer products than others, product liability coverage is still a necessary part of your complementary and alternative medicine insurance plan. Many reactions are caused by an unknown allergy or intolerance and, therefore, are difficult to predict.
Having protection from product liabilities gives you the confidence to know that your finances are secure in the event of a product liability claim.
How Much Coverage is Included
The comprehensive coverage that you receive from a policy with NACAMS offers stout protection should you face a liability claim. For general and professional liability claims, our plans include up to $2 million per occurrence with an annual aggregate of $3 million. This means that though you are covered for up to $2 million per claim, the maximum NACAMS will pay annually is $3 million. The aggregate will only be needed if you face more than one claim within a year. Product liability comes with its own solid $2 million in total coverage.
Identity Theft Protection
Within each insurance policy, we have included identity theft protection. As a professional in the modern age, you likely use blogs, social media, and other online platforms to advertise your work in beauty, health, and wellness. While this provides an excellent opportunity to reach new clients and engage with customers, it also comes with some risks.
When you expand your business by using online tools, you could open yourself up to malicious attacks from online criminals. Unfortunately, identity theft is all too common these days and can leave you with a financial loss or at least a major headache.
We recognize the growing need to protect our policyholders from online attacks and have included an identity theft protection plan in our complementary and alternative medicine insurance plans. This protection will help you recoup losses due to identity theft and help get you back on your feet.
Rental Property Damage Protection
A good number of small business owners and workers rent the space in which they operate. Renting can be a great experience and an excellent way to get the workspace you need to succeed in your practice. However, if an incident occurs that causes damage to your rented space, your landlord could demand that you cover the cost of repairs.
The cost of repairs can quickly become overwhelming for most small businesses. That’s why we include coverage for up to $100,000 for rental property damages. Whether you operate a yoga studio, massage parlor, or beauty salon, you can rest easy knowing that you are covered for rental property damages.
Stolen/Damaged Equipment Coverage
The equipment you use day in and day out is not just instruments but a key component of your livelihood. Whether it is your salon chair, massage table, nail dryer, or another tool you use for your work, your equipment is highly essential to your business. If your tools or equipment gets stolen or sustains damage, replacing it can be a financial burden.
We are committed to taking care of the needs of our policyholders and include coverage for the equipment you use each and every day. Should your equipment be stolen or damaged, your policy includes coverage for up to $1,000 to repair or replace it. With each claim there’s a low $250 deductible.
Exclusive Member Benefits
Let's talk about some of the fun stuff that comes with your insurance policy. As a NACAMS member, you have access to some remarkable perks and benefits in addition to your liability coverage. We love to spoil our members and have created a myriad of incredible benefits just to show we care.
- Exclusive discounts: Our members save on the products and services they will use every day. Ranging from scheduling services and supplies to profession-specific products, these deep-cut discounts are some of the best deals around. With member-exclusive deals on products and services that make your life and work a little easier, you can save on the equipment and tools that you need to succeed.
- Professionally developed website: As an added bonus, our members get help building a professional website where they can book clients, advertise their work, showcase their skills, or connect with potential customers. We know the importance of a quality website and work with you to create your own online presence. When you present your skills and services on a well-made website, you can drastically increase your audience of potential clients. We provide you with the means and tools to successfully engage customers and delight them with your services and skills.
- Instant coverage: When you get your insurance through NACAMS, there is no waiting period for your coverage to be active. Your coverage and access to member benefits begin the moment you submit your form. It only takes a few minutes to fill out your information and get comprehensive coverage that could save you millions in the future.
Plan Coverage Options
We offer several different coverage options to accommodate every situation and budget. While the cost of your coverage will depend on your profession and the specific modalities you work in, the plan terms are consistent. Each insurance plan is specifically tailored to meet the needs of your profession, so the perks and cost will vary slightly between modalities. We cover over 450+ wellness modalities but even then, we still have coverage limitations for specific modalities.
- Professional coverage for one year: The one-year professional plan is ideal for you if you like to take things one step at a time. This plan includes incredible coverage and access to member benefits for full-time and part-time employees. You have the option to pay in a lump sum or 12 monthly installments.
- Professional coverage for two years: If you are settled in your career, and prefer a longer term for your insurance, the two-year plan is perfect. With a solid two years of coverage, you can set your mind at ease and know your insurance is in good hands. You have the option to pay all at once or to pay over 12 months in affordable payments.
- Student Rate: When you are still honing your skills as a massage therapist, cosmetologist, personal trainer, or yoga instructor, the world of possibilities is opening up to you. However, you still need protection from a liability claim against you as a student. We offer a student rate for one year of coverage at a deeply discounted rate. You will still receive all the perks and coverage of a professional plan but at a fraction of the cost.
- Benefits-only option: If you already have the coverage you need but are missing out on the perks, we offer a benefits-only plan. You can purchase a full year of the best benefits for our profession.
Compare Insurance Programs & Policies
Research the websites of the various group fitness instructor insurance providers, and spend time comparing the cost and benefits of each program. Some sites provide an online comparison of their program with those of the competition. Speak with a licensed representative to help you to make an informed choice about which program best meets your professional and personal needs.
Compare your insurance options below
Liability Insurance FAQs
NACAMS offers liability insurance for a wide range of services and health professionals. Although each policy is tailored to a specific profession, they will all include similar coverage. Each liability insurance policy offers occurrence form insurance for professionals, part-time workers, and students working on their careers.
We want you to know that your finances are well covered with our liability insurance. With our policy, you won't have to find supplementary insurance to fill in the gaps. We offer all the coverage you need in a single insurance policy.
The insurance we offer will include the following liability coverage:
General liability coverage
Professional liability coverage
Product liability coverage
Rental property damage protection
Identity theft protection
Stolen equipment coverage
Yes. As a student, you will learn your profession and often practice with real clients and students. While you will be under supervision, you could still make a mistake or be liable for an accident. If a client is hurt while under your instruction or care, they could sue you for the cost of their medical expenses, damaged property, lawyer fees, loss of income from time off work, etc. These costs will add up before you know it.
At NACAMS, we prioritize investing in the next generation of health and wellness professionals. We offer a student rate for our liability insurance plans to help you get the coverage you need. We make liability insurance affordable and accessible for any budding wellness professional.An aggregate is the maximum that an insurance company will pay during a one-year period. This is different from the per occurrence maximum, which is a lesser amount. Using this system ensures that a policyholder will have sufficient coverage for single or multiple claims within the one-year period. In other words, if you have two or more claims made against you within a year, your policy will have a limit for each incident, as well as an overarching maximum for the year.
NACAMS offers a generous annual aggregate of $3 million with a per occurrence limit of $2 million for professional and general liability claims. We want our members to have complete confidence in the sufficiency of their coverage. With a liability insurance policy from NACAMS, you won’t have to worry if you have enough protection.
Not at all. If you operate in more than one location, you will want to ensure that you’re covered wherever you do business. We make it simple and affordable to add one (or more) secondary businesses to your liability insurance policy. When you purchase liability insurance, you can select to add additional places of business with the click of a button.
For one additional business location, you’ll only pay $10 for one year or $15.95 for two years of coverage. If you travel between multiple gyms or massage parlors, the unlimited businesses option may be right for you. For just $30 additional dollars, you can add liability coverage for as many businesses as you need. Whether you work in three spaces or 20, you can ensure that you have every workplace covered.
Most definitely. Professional liability insurance from NACAMS is tied to you, not just your job location. Your coverage is active for the complete length of the term. If you move to a new job, you can rest assured that your coverage will follow you for the full extent of the coverage period. Just let us know about the change as soon as you know you’re relocating.
While our professional liability insurance is active in all 50 states, each state may have special regulations for alternative medicine and fitness professionals. We recommend researching the requirements for your new location if you’re moving out of state.
Of course. We know the lives of professionals are busy beyond belief. That’s why we don’t want to tie you up with an inconvenience. In fact, NACAMS is completely operated online, which makes it remarkably convenient to get liability insurance. No need to visit an office or go through the hassle of multiple phone calls to get the coverage you want. Our simple online registration process only takes a few minutes, and your coverage is active right away.
If you sign up for liability insurance, you can have access to the member perks right away, including our exclusive member benefits package. We prioritize making instant liability protection accessible to anyone at any time.
One of the benefits of choosing NACAMS as your professional liability insurance provider is that we make the entire process simple and convenient. In as little as five minutes, you can complete your registration and have access to coverage. We don’t believe in making you wait for your protection. From the moment you complete the enrollment, you’re protected.
If you’re ready to have the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive liability coverage, get insurance today. You can have unhindered access to all your member benefits, profession-specific liability coverage, generous coverage limits, and our incredible customer service with instant coverage. Don’t let anything stand in your way of getting the security you need for your career.As a professional yoga instructor, massage therapist, esthetician, or personal trainer, you will use a range of equipment, beauty products, and tools in your work. While these instruments of your trade are intended to help your students and clients, they could also be a liability if something malfunctions or causes a bad reaction. If someone is hurt by a product you use in your profession, you could be held responsible for their compensation.
Product liability insurance could help cover the cost of a lawsuit. Since most professionals utilize a plethora of products, coverage for product liability is an essential component of our insurance plan. We want our policyholders to be confident that their needs are met coverage-wise.
Knowing how to handle a situation if a client is hurt during a training session or while under your care is important. Remember to stay calm and get help as soon as possible. When a client is injured, here are some steps to follow to handle the situation:
Remain calm and careful
If the client is injured or in severe pain, get an ambulance there as soon as possible
If necessary, give tasks to specific people
Don’t assume someone else will help
Help emergency services however you can
Write down the details of the incident for your insurance agent
Contact your insurance provider
Take time to process what happened in a healthy way
The best way to get a discount on your liability insurance policy is to purchase the two-year plan. We reward the customers who plan to stick with us for a while.
Another way we offer a discount on professional liability insurance is with our student rate. For the next generation of health and beauty professionals, we offer your first year of coverage at an incredible discount. A student policy is the same as a professional policy, but at a rate that makes it affordable on a student's budget.
Of course, there is no shortage of options for liability insurance companies. What sets NACAMS apart is our generous coverage and competitive rates. Other insurance providers will have a higher cost for less coverage. At NACAMS, you have comprehensive coverage that provides for multiple aspects of your profession, including
Professional liability coverage
General liability protection
Product liability coverage
Rental property damage protection
Stolen equipment coverage
Identity theft protection
With NACAMS, you don’t have to shop around for multiple policies to get the coverage you need. We provide ample protection with generous annual aggregates. But more importantly, we provide the comfort of knowing your financial future is safe from the cost of a liability lawsuit.
Every insurance provider claims their coverage limits are the best, but NACAMS stands behind that. We offer sufficient coverage limits that are more than generous. Though they can vary slightly by profession, the typical coverage limits are as follows:
General and professional liability: $2 million per occurrence with an annual aggregate of $3 million
Product liability: $2 million
Rental property damage protection: $100,000
Stolen equipment coverage: $1,000 ($250 deductible)
Identity theft protection: $25,000
With these limits, you don't have to worry if your coverage is enough for your profession. We want you to have total confidence in your liability insurance.