In this post we’ll discuss the sort of insurance you might need as a complementary therapist, and what it will cover.
What is Complementary Therapy?
Any treatment that falls outside of mainstream healthcare can be classed as “complementary and alternative medicine” (CAM).
What’s the Difference Between Complementary Therapy and Alternative Therapy?
Complementary therapy is any treatment a patient might take alongside other treatments. Whereas, alternative therapy is any treatment that’s intended to replace other types of treatment.
If you practice any form of complementary therapy, then certain insurance products can provide essential protection in case any of your clients ever make a claim against you.
Do Complementary Therapists Need Insurance?
Yes, complementary therapists need insurance. Many forms of complementary therapy are unregulated. However, certain types of alternative medicine are available on the NHS, and official bodies exist for certain disciplines, such as chiropractic. So in some cases there may be regulatory requirements for practitioners to get adequate insurance.
But even if you have no legal requirements, all complementary therapists should seriously consider getting insurance cover. There’s always the risk that your patients may have a negative reaction to your treatment, no matter what kind of therapy you provide. Or, they may simply feel dissatisfied with your service. In either case, they may have grounds to make a claim against you.
If this happens, insurance can cover your legal fees, as well as any compensation your patient may be due. Without adequate insurance cover, you would be liable to pay all of these costs yourself.
What Types of Complementary Therapists Need Insurance?
If you provide any kind of treatment, then you should get adequate insurance to cover all possible risks.
This might include:
- Homeopathy
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic
- Herbal medicines
- Aromatherapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Light therapy
- Massage
- Reflexology
- Reiki
- Meditation
- Yoga
What Sort of Insurance Cover Do I Need as a Complementary Therapist?
Depending on the sort of treatment you offer, you’ll either need:
Read our detailed guide to the key differences between medical malpractice insurance and treatment liability insurance.
What Other Protection Do I Need As A Complementary Therapist?
The right insurance can offer essential protection in the event of the worst-case scenario – your treatment goes wrong, and your patient makes a claim against you.
However, certain things can help prevent patient claims. Or, in the event of a claim, they can help to keep you in the clear:
- Patient Consent Forms – The patient signs a declaration confirming that they understand the risks associated with the procedure. Read more about patient consent forms here. NOTE: This guide refers to beauticians as an example, but the principles are the same for complementary therapists.
- Client Records – Take detailed notes throughout a patient’s course of treatment, and you’ll be able to evidence your decision-making process if you ever have to defend yourself in court. Read more about keeping good client records here.
- Aftercare Advice – Give patients clear instructions on any precautions they should take following their treatment. This can help manage their expectations, and it may also make it less likely that they’ll injure themselves and make a claim against you. Read more about aftercare advice here.
Complementary Therapists – Get The Cover You Need At A Price You Can Afford
At Tapoly, we specialise in giving all types of professionals tailored insurance cover at an affordable price. You won’t pay for any cover you don’t need, and there are no hidden fees. To see how much you might expect to pay for your medical malpractice or treatment liability cover, get in touch for a free quote in minutes.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your options please contact our Tapoly team at info@tapoly.com, call our helpline on +44(0)2078 460 108 or try our chat on our website.