Nationwide is the best small business insurer for massage companies due to its affordability and coverage. We recommend comparing quotes from our other top picks, including NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business.
Best Massage Business Insurance
Updated: June 30, 2025
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Key Takeaways
NEXT is the best business insurance company for massage firms because it offers the greatest balance of customer service and coverage.
The cheapest overall commercial insurance provider for massage businesses is Nationwide, with low monthly rates for various coverage types.
While shopping for business insurance for your massage business, assess the risks in your industry, consult agents and other similar organizations, and compare multiple options.
Best Business Insurance for Massage Companies
| Nationwide | 95 | 98 | 91 |
| NEXT | 94 | 94 | 94 |
| The Hartford | 94 | 95 | 91 |
| Simply Business | 92 | 93 | 83 |
| Coverdash | 89 | 89 | 83 |
| Hiscox | 88 | 91 | 87 |
| Progressive Commercial | 88 | 90 | 81 |
| Chubb | 87 | 84 | 87 |
| Thimble | 86 | 88 | 81 |
| biBerk | 85 | 80 | 91 |
*All scores were based on a massage business with two employees across professional liability, general liability, workers' comp and BOP policies.
1. Nationwide
pros
Lowest cost for most coverage types
Strong customer service track record
Excellent financial stability
cons
Slower online experience than peers
Limited customization options
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Nationwide offers the most affordable business insurance for massage companies across nearly all policy types, including general liability and business owner’s policies (BOP). Its affordability, combined with strong customer service and coverage depth, makes it a top choice for massage business owners who want reliable protection at a competitive rate.
2. NEXT
pros
Strong digital tools and fast claims
Consistent pricing across policy types
High customer satisfaction rating
cons
Slower quote times than competition
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
NEXT is one of the most trusted digital insurers for massage companies, offering easy-to-manage coverage online. Despite being newer to the industry with under 10 years of experience, NEXT has earned a 4.7 out of 5.0 rating from over 3,000 customers. It consistently ranks among the most affordable providers across liability, workers' comp, and BOP coverage.
3. The Hartford
pros
Best rates for professional liability
Strong reputation for claims handling
Highly customizable policies
cons
Slightly higher general liability rates
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
The Hartford is a good option for massage companies seeking professional liability insurance, offering the most affordable rates in our study. Claims are unlikely to go unpaid with an A+ from AM Best for financial stability, which is the best in our study. The Hartford is especially well-suited for massage therapists seeking trustworthy, long-term protection.
Cheapest Business Insurance for Massage Firms
Our study shows Nationwide offers the cheapest overall commercial insurance for massage companies across most policy types. However, this applies only to massage companies with two employees, and you may find lower rates elsewhere. Below are the most affordable providers by major coverage types.
Cheapest General Liability Insurance for Massage Companies
With an average monthly rate of $47, Nationwide offers the lowest-cost general liability insurance for massage companies. Even so, consider getting quotes from the next-most-affordable insurers: The Hartford and Simply Business or NEXT.
| Nationwide | $47 | $570 |
| The Hartford | $79 | $950 |
| NEXT | $80 | $955 |
| Simply Business | $80 | $959 |
| Hiscox | $92 | $1,105 |
| Progressive Commercial | $95 | $1,142 |
| Thimble | $102 | $1,220 |
| Coverdash | $104 | $1,253 |
| Chubb | $117 | $1,407 |
| biBerk | $177 | $2,126 |
Cheapest Workers' Comp Insurance for Massage Companies
For massage businesses shopping for workers' comp insurance, Thimble is the most affordable insurer, with average rates of $6 per month or $75 yearly. You may also find more affordable rates with Coverdash, Hiscox, NEXT and Simply Business.
| Thimble | $6 | $75 |
| biBerk | $7 | $88 |
| Coverdash | $7 | $86 |
| Hiscox | $7 | $84 |
| NEXT | $7 | $87 |
| Progressive Commercial | $7 | $81 |
| Simply Business | $7 | $83 |
| The Hartford | $7 | $85 |
| Chubb | $8 | $101 |
| Nationwide | $8 | $94 |
Cheapest Professional Liability Insurance for Massage Companies
The Hartford offers the most affordable professional liability insurance options for massage companies, with low average monthly rates of $94. Compare prices from other low-cost providers like NEXT, Progressive Commercial and Thimble.
| The Hartford | $94 | $1,133 |
| NEXT | $98 | $1,175 |
| Progressive Commercial | $101 | $1,207 |
| Hiscox | $105 | $1,255 |
| Simply Business | $105 | $1,255 |
| Thimble | $105 | $1,265 |
| Coverdash | $107 | $1,285 |
| biBerk | $109 | $1,313 |
| Nationwide | $114 | $1,372 |
| Chubb | $123 | $1,479 |
Cheapest BOP Insurance for Massage Companies
Nationwide provides the most affordable business owner's policy (BOP) coverage for massage companies, with an average yearly cost of $854 for bundled general liability and property protection. That’s a savings of roughly $356 annually compared to The Hartford, the second most affordable option.
| Nationwide | $71 | $854 |
| The Hartford | $101 | $1,210 |
| NEXT | $116 | $1,387 |
| Simply Business | $120 | $1,442 |
| Hiscox | $138 | $1,661 |
| Progressive Commercial | $143 | $1,713 |
| Coverdash | $151 | $1,807 |
| Thimble | $158 | $1,895 |
| Chubb | $177 | $2,120 |
| biBerk | $230 | $2,757 |
What Type of Coverage Do You Need for a Massage Business?
Most companies with employees must legally carry workers' comp insurance, and businesses that use vehicles must have commercial auto coverage. Many clients or contracts also require businesses to carry general liability insurance before starting work. A surety bond may also be necessary in certain industries, especially when contracts require guarantees of service or compliance.
RECOMMENDED MASSAGE BUSINESS COVERAGE
General liability insurance is strongly recommended for massage companies because it covers common risks like bodily injury, legal defense costs and property damage. Professional liability insurance is also a smart option for businesses that work under client contracts or provide specialized services. This coverage becomes especially useful for companies offering specialized services or handling large contracts where the risk of disputes is higher.
Coverage Recommendations by Massage Company Type
We've outlined a list of massage service types, ranked from highest to lowest risk in terms of claims frequency. This breakdown helps identify the insurance needs for each service type, ensuring that businesses offering higher-risk services consider more comprehensive coverage.
Massage Company Type | Coverage Types Recommendation | Most Common Insurance Claims | Most Common Reasons for Litigation |
|---|---|---|---|
Medical/Clinical Massage | Professional Liability, General Liability, Workers' Comp, Cyber Liability, BOP | Bodily injury from treatment, claims of improper technique, data breach of patient records | Negligence lawsuits, HIPAA violations, patient harm allegations |
Mobile Massage Services | General Liability, Commercial Auto, Professional Liability, Inland Marine (equipment), Workers' Comp | Injuries during treatment, auto accidents, stolen or damaged equipment | Claims from at-home injury, client property damage, vehicle-related liability |
Spa or Wellness Center Massage | General Liability, Professional Liability, Workers' Comp, Commercial Property, EPLI (for larger teams) | Slip and fall, employee injury, allegations of misconduct or inappropriate behavior | Employment-related claims, customer injury suits, harassment allegations |
Sports/Rehabilitation Massage | Professional Liability, General Liability, Workers' Comp, BOP | Aggravated injuries, claims of overexertion, muscle strain from treatment | Athlete injury lawsuits, misdiagnosis or improper treatment claims |
Solo Independent Massage Therapist | Professional Liability, General Liability, BOP (optional), Cyber Liability (if storing client data) | Improper technique claims, bodily injury, reputational harm | Client injury lawsuits, license board complaints, defamation or social media-related suits |
Massage Franchises | BOP, Professional Liability, EPLI, General Liability, Workers’ Comp | Employee injury, customer injury on site, brand reputation issues | Franchise compliance lawsuits, large-scale injury claims, ADA compliance violations |
How to Get the Best Cheap Business Insurance for Your Massage Company
Here's a step-by-step method for finding the best and cheapest business insurance for your massage company.
- 1
Decide on coverage needs before buying
Consider risks specific to your business for claims, get advice from similar businesses, talk to agents and investigate the types of business insurance. This will give you insight into your coverage needs.
- 2
Research costs
Research average costs for your business to find which providers offer the cheapest rates overall. This will give you an idea of how much you're saving when comparing quotes and which companies to start with.
- 3
Look into company reputations and coverage options
Investigate what customers say on online rating sites and forums to provide a comprehensive look at company services. Research coverage options to make sure you're covered for the right items.
- 4
Compare multiple quotes through different means
Look at and compare multiple quotes. Rates differ by your comparison method, whether with captive agents, comparison sites, company websites or independent agents.
- 5
Reassess annually
Your business situation will change, influencing your rates and coverage needs. Repeat these steps annually to ensure you still have the best deal.
How to Decrease Your Massage Business's Liability Risk
Reducing liability risk is important for massage businesses looking to manage insurance costs effectively. We've organized practical risk mitigation strategies based on your business type or risk tier to help you navigate this process smoothly.
Massage Business Risk Level | Included Types of Massage Businesses | Risk Mitigation Tactics |
|---|---|---|
Highest | Medical massage, sports therapy, clinical massage | Require up-to-date licensure and continuing education in therapeutic modalities. Implement strict client intake and consent procedures. Maintain detailed treatment records and SOAP notes. Use liability waivers that address high-risk conditions. Train staff on medical emergency response protocols. |
Moderately High | Mobile massage, wellness spas, large multi-staff practices | Conduct background checks and professionalism training for all therapists. Use commercial auto policies and log travel hours for mobile staff. Secure equipment during transport and store valuables safely. Train staff on client boundary management and harassment prevention. Post clear safety signage in physical locations. |
Moderate | Sports massage (non-medical), physical wellness centers, solo massage clinics | Use intake forms to screen for injuries or contraindications. Maintain high sanitation standards to prevent client or staff illness. Keep massage equipment regularly inspected and sanitized. Post visible policies around client conduct and cancellations. Review liability insurance coverage annually. |
Moderately Low | Spa-based massage, couples massage studios | Ensure wet floors are cleaned promptly and warning signs are posted. Train staff in proper client draping techniques and boundaries. Monitor room temperatures, scents, and lighting to avoid discomfort or allergic reactions. Provide sensitivity training for all employees. |
Lowest | Solo practitioners, independent therapists with limited hours or low volume | Require client health history forms and informed consent before each session. Maintain a clean, private, and quiet workspace. Limit services to areas within licensure and training. Store client records securely. Schedule regular business liability insurance reviews. |
Best Insurance for Massage Business: Bottom Line
Nationwide is the best massage business insurance insurer, offering the highest overall score and the most affordable rates. We also recommend getting quotes from NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business. For the best deal, consult agents, research providers and pricing, and compare multiple quotes.
Massage Business Insurance: FAQ
This section answers frequently asked questions about business insurance for massage businesses.
Who offers the best massage business insurance overall?
NEXT offers the best business insurance for massage companies with a standout customer service rating and a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100. The Hartford scores closely behind and is a viable option as well.
Who has the cheapest business insurance for massage companies?
Here are the most affordable business insurance providers for massage companies based on coverage type:
- Cheapest general liability insurance: Nationwide at $47 per month
- Cheapest workers’ comp insurance: Thimble at $6 per month
- Cheapest professional liability insurance: The Hartford at $94 per month
- Cheapest BOP insurance: Nationwide at $71 per month
What business insurance is required for massage organizations?
Workers' compensation insurance (if you have employees) and commercial auto insurance (if you own business vehicles) are legally required for massage businesses, with requirements varying by state. While not legally mandated, general liability insurance and surety bonds are effectively required by most commercial clients and property leases.
How much does massage business insurance cost?
Business insurance costs for massage businesses vary depending on the type of coverage. Below, we've broken down costs for commonly needed coverage in small businesses:
- General Liability: $92 per month
- Workers' Comp: $7 per month
- Professional Liability: $106 per month
- BOP Insurance: $127 per month
How We Chose the Best Massage Business Insurance
We selected the best business insurer for massage companies based on the following criteria:
- Affordability (50% of score): The lower a company's costs compared to the competition based on our base profile for four core coverage types, the better it performs.
- Customer service (30% of score): We scored providers on overall customer satisfaction using industry studies, customer review forum ratings and public forum sentiment analysis from sites like Reddit.
- Coverage (15% of score): We scored business insurance for this category based on the flexibility, payment and actual coverage options.
- Financial stability (5% of score): Using financial stability industry ratings from companies like AM Best and Moody's, we created an overall rating to judge how likely a company is to pay out claims compared to the competition.
All pricing in this article is based on the following base profile to represent the vast majority of small businesses in all states:
- Three-person business with two employees
- Coverage: $1 million per occurrence and $2 million total per year for all but BOP, which includes the same coverage plus $5,000 of business property coverage
- $150,000 in payroll
- $300,000 annual revenue
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- AM Best. "Hartford Fire Insurance Company." Accessed June 30, 2025.
- NEXT. "Customer Reviews." Accessed June 30, 2025.