Hands, thumbs and a lot of standing
Deep tissue and sports massage put sustained pressure through your thumbs, wrists and shoulders. Back-to-back sessions mean hours on your feet leaning over a couch. Repetitive strain, tendon problems and back pain build up, and they can stop you working for weeks or months.
Mobile therapists also carry a folding couch in and out of homes and drive between clients. Insurers group occupations into risk classes, and the class affects the price and whether claims are judged against your own job.
Self-employed income that rises and falls
Bookings vary with the seasons, holidays and word of mouth. That makes it harder to plan, and if you stop working, the income stops with it. State benefits offer some help but are far below most people's earnings.
Insurers base cover on your profits from recent tax returns, often averaging more than one year if your income goes up and down. A short deferred period helps if you have little in savings. Short term income protection can make cover more affordable.
- Keep your tax returns and accounts up to date
- Work out your essential monthly bills
- Consider how long savings would last without bookings
- Ask about short term cover if budget is tight
Employed in a spa or hotel
Some massage therapists are employed by spas, hotels or gyms. Sick pay varies, and many only pay statutory sick pay. Check your contract. If commission or tips make up a large part of what you earn, remember these stop when you are off.
Life insurance is often simple and inexpensive for younger, healthy non-smokers. If you have a mortgage or children, a term policy gives your family a lump sum if you die.
Growing a client list and growing your cover
Many therapists start part time alongside another job and build up over a few years. Insurers usually look at your total earnings, so income from a second job can count when they set your limit.
As your practice grows, your cover may fall behind. A yearly check, perhaps when you file your tax return, is a simple habit. If you take on a lease for a treatment room, think about how you would pay it during a long absence.
How Hi Tomorrow helps massage therapists
We look at your bookings, accounts and bills to work out what cover makes sense. We compare the insurers on our panel, explain the options clearly and help you complete the application, including questions about any previous strain injuries.