Exceptional Liability Insurance
"ABMP's rate for liability insurance, along with their publications and all
the other services, is the bargain of the century."
--Roberta Geier, Member since 1999>
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Smart practitioners realize that, while being named in a lawsuit is unlikely, it’s not worth risking your career. In this sue-happy age, even when you’ve done nothing wrong, it’s expensive to defend yourself. Why chance it when excellent protection is so affordable?
These totals are per member, per year, not a shared aggregate like other associations offer.
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) offers protection with the profession’s best value in liability coverage. Ours are the highest aggregate coverages available—$3 million professional liability (malpractice), another $3 million general liability (slip and fall), and yet another $3 million products liability (for example, adverse reaction to a lotion). And these coverages protect you wherever you work.
Also included are legal defense coverage, $100,000 premises fire damage coverage for renters, and no charge for obtaining an additional insured endorsement (AIE) if requested by your employer or landlord. All this is covered by your basic membership fee.
Unlike the claims-made coverage offered by some other providers, the insurance included with your ABMP membership is occurrence-form coverage, which protects you from late-filed claims. This added feature helps safeguard your business—and your peace of mind.
Bottom line: ABMP's liability insurance package is the most comprehensive in the massage and bodywork field. We are the only organization offering "occurrence form" coverage for our professional, general, and product liability program. Most importantly, we don't have a “shared member” aggregate, like many other associations. Shared aggregate plans only have a total number of dollars for each calendar year; if others in the plan file claims and essentially use up the funds, they will not be available to you when you need them. With ABMP's liability insurance package, each claim is dealt with individually. You never have to fear if the insurance coverage will be there for you.
Sure, you can find bare-bones insurance coverage elsewhere. But are you sure you're fully protected? And consider ABMP's greatest strength: helping our members. If you do experience a claim, you can expect knowledgeable, empathetic assistance to help expedite rapid resolution of your claim. Fact is, just knowing your ABMP team is ready and able to support you lets you focus on what's most important—building a successful career.
Responsive, Personal Service
You have more important things in life than communicating with your professional association every day. But when you do need something—to join, renew a membership, obtain information, or get help on a career challenge— you want to talk to a knowledgeable, caring human being. Now. Not tomorrow, not next week, but right now. ABMP understands. And when you need us, we pay for the call.
We know the field, and we’ve been helping members since 1987. Nothing pleases our professional, friendly staff more than finding an answer to a member query, calling the member, and hearing, “I’m really surprised you got back to me so quickly!” We treasure each of our 65,000-plus members and echo the caring and compassion you bring to your work. That’s why our credo is
expectmore. Try us. Compare our attentiveness to what you’ve experienced with other associations.
Is our approach unique? Hardly. We simply understand that ABMP’s primary purpose is to serve the needs of individual members, not to waste energy engaging in internal politics. You may find indifference or distraction elsewhere, but not here. We’re focused on providing excellent service and exploring ways to add value to your ABMP membership. Period. That’s the essence of what our
expectmore philosophy is all about. Call us. We’ll be delighted to talk with you.
What a huge impact your magazine and web connections have made in the practitioner community here in Kern County.
Thank you.
David Dowdy, Bakersfield, CA
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Extensive Benefits
> Publications
> Online Access
> More!
Publications
Who gets what? View a distribution chart. |
| Your ABMP Membership. To help you get the most out of your ABMP membership, all new members receive this introductory guide, describing the benefits and services available to you. A breakdown of tabbed resources—online, publications, benefits, insurance, and more—gives you an easy reference to help you take full advantage of ABMP membership and underscore the success of your practice. |
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Massage & Bodywork magazine. You’ve made a big investment in your training. It makes sense to help ensure your professional success by keeping current with the newest developments and divergent, provocative views. That’s why we publish Massage & Bodywork magazine six times a year (included as part of your membership). Massage & Bodywork continues to earn praise for the breadth of its editorial content. Here’s what a few readers say: “This is the one magazine I read cover to cover.” “Every issue sparks my interest and catches my imagination.” “Thanks for making this a one-stop shop for therapists.” “Your magazine makes me excited to be a massage therapist.” www.massageandbodywork.com.
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| Different Strokes is ABMP's member newsletter, mailed as a supplement to Massage & Bodywork. This bimonthly publication regularly features association news, legislative updates, ABMP BizFit practice management tools, contributions from and profiles of ABMP members, updates on the wide range of benefits available to ABMP members, and much more. |
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| Body Sense magazine. Produced twice a year, Body Sense is a vital, attractive tool to boost your client education efforts and a way to say thanks while encouraging healthy living behavior. Additional copies of Body Sense can be ordered by ABMP members for $1 a copy (half the nonmember price), with free shipping. www.bodysensemagazine.com. |
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| Successful Business Handbook. This premier guide continues to receive rave reviews from instructors and practitioners. Providing resources for building your practice from the ground up and sustaining a successful business, the Successful Business Handbook totals nearly 200 pages and includes such chapters as Getting Started, Managing Financial Health, Good Business Basics, Marketing, Advertising, and Promotion, Working with Physicians and HMOs, and more. |
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Online Access |
| ABMP.com. Our member website provides you with the business and educational support you need, and keeps you informed about what’s happening in the profession. The following online services are available to you as ABMP member benefits. |
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| Customized client newsletter. Market your services to potential clients by creating your own educational newsletter. Using ABMP’s online program, you can easily select articles, add your business information, and even create a coupon. In minutes you will have a professional, four-page newsletter. View a sample. |
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| Customized client education brochures. At your fingertips you have titles such as: “Why Should I Get a Massage?” “About Sports Massage,” and “A Path to Healthy Skin.” Simply download them. |
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| Photo library. Choose from a wide selection of bodywork images, perfect for you to use on your website and in your marketing materials. ABMP’s photo library contains 250 images of professional photographs, covering a variety of subjects. Ranging from massage-specific, to hands-on, to environment shots, these high quality images will help you round out your marketing portfolio. |
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| Your own website. Using ABMP’s tools, you can create an online home for your practice--a must for any contemporary business. Choose from domain names: www.yourname.massagetherapy.com or www.yourname.abmp.com. |
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| Your own e-mail account. Set up an e-mail account and choose your domain name: yourname@massagetherapy.com or yourname@myabmp.com. |
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| Extensive continuing education calendar. ABMP’s Continuing Education Calendar allows you to search hundreds of courses by location, modality, or date. The interactive calendar also includes a listing of distance learning options. Launched in 2008, ABMP’s CE Calendar quickly became the single most comprehensive resource for practitioners seeking CE options. |
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| Massage Marketplace. Need it, find it, buy it. This online massage supplies resource allows practitioners one-stop shopping. Organized by category, you can select a specific interest, or you can search product options by keyword. ABMP members, look for exclusive discounts from vendors! |
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| Massagetherapy.com’s online referral service. Through our public education website, Massagetherapy.com, we’re not only educating consumers about massage, we’re actively driving business to you. Massagetherapy.com’s online referral service allows potential clients to simply type in the zip code in which they want to find a practitioner, and a list of ABMP members who elect to be part of the service is generated. |
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| Database of educational articles. Access hundreds of features from past issues of Massage & Bodywork magazine and Body Sense magazine. |
More! |
| Regulatory and networking support. ABMP has been involved in providing regulatory and legislative support to members since its inception in 1987. ABMP members are kept up to date on legislative issues affecting their right to practice. Members can also participate in local networking groups and online forums. |
| Legislative updates. Our members are the first to know about changing regulations in every state. |
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| Optional insurance programs. Our optional business personal property insurance can insure your table and other office possessions for just $95/year. |
| And Still More! Members-only credit card. Discounts on travel/lodging, portable credit card processing, auto and home insurance, legal services, and other extras just for belonging to ABMP. |
Membership Options and Fees
ABMP members include a diverse array of massage, bodywork, and somatic professionals. While “massage therapist” is the title most commonly used by our members, others practice reflexology, neuromuscular and movement therapy, shiatsu, reiki, other energy work, or one or more of numerous other practice specialties.
Regardless of your area of specialization, ABMP offers membership choices to fit your personal circumstance. Choose what’s right for you!
Certified Membership ($229 annually)
Our highest membership level. Enjoy broad liability insurance coverage ($2 million per incident coverage, in each of three categories), priority membership processing, priority listing in Massagetherapy.com’s online referral service (used by consumers to locate therapists), a unique wall certificate, and use of the ABMP Certified Therapist designation. Subscription to
Massage & Bodywork and a copy of publications mentioned earlier are included as part of your membership fee. Also included are a certificate of insurance, ethics certificate, insurance guide, and membership identification.
Eligibility Requirements
If you practice in a state that regulates massage and bodywork:
- Valid current massage/bodywork license from that state.
If you practice in a state that does not regulate massage and bodywork:
- 500 hours of massage education from an approved program OR
- Passing score on the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or one of the National Certification Exams (NCE) OR
- Minimum of 50 hours of massage training and a current nursing or physical therapy license.
Maintenance Requirement: 16 hours of continuing education every two years.
Professional Membership ($199 annually)
$2 million per incident liability insurance coverage. Subscription to
Massage & Bodywork and a copy of publications mentioned earlier are included as part of your membership fee. Also included are a certificate of insurance, ethics certificate, insurance guide, and membership identification.
Eligibility Requirements
If you practice in a state that regulates massage and bodywork:
- Valid current massage/bodywork license from that state.
If you practice in a state that does not regulate massage and bodywork:
- 500 hours of massage education from an approved program OR
- Passing score on the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) or one of the National Certification Exams (NCE) OR
- Minimum of 50 hours of massage training and a current nursing or physical therapy license.
Practitioner Membership ($199 annually)
$2 million per incident liability insurance coverage. Subscription to
Massage & Bodywork and a copy of publications mentioned earlier are included as part of your membership fee. Also included are a certificate of insurance, ethics certificate, insurance guide, and membership identification.
Eligibility Requirement
Only available if you practice in a state that does not regulate massage and bodywork.
- A minimum of 100 hours of massage education from an approved program.
Are you also a skin care professional?
If you are also a skin care professional, both your massage and skin care practices can be covered for a single $259 membership fee. By filling out the Optional Skin Care Professional Coverage portion of the application (section 2) and providing us with a copy of your license to practice esthetics along with your massage credentials, you will become a member of both Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) and Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and will receive benefits from both associations. Learn more about ASCP by visiting
www.ascpskincare.com or calling 800-789-0411.
Eligibility Requirements
If you practice in a state that regulates esthetics or skin care:
- Valid current license from that state.
If you practice in a state that does not regulate esthetics or skin care:
- Cosmetology license or certificate of skin care training.
Other Choices
ABMP Student Membership provides fantastic value and is loaded with student success tools and resources especially pertinent to those entering the field.
And, for those of you temporarily suspending your practice, you might consider a Supporting Membership to keep informed about developments in the profession. Call us at 800-458-2267 for further details.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about ABMP membership
What is the difference between the Practitioner and Professional levels of membership?
The amount of training required. The Professional level requires a minimum of 500 hours training or a state license (if required). The Practitioner level requires a minimum of 100 hours of training. Benefits are the same for both Professional and Practitioner level memberships.
What is the difference between the Professional level of membership and the Certified level, and why would I want to be a Certified member?
Initial qualifications and coverage are the same, but there are several differences between these two levels of membership. Certified level membership is our highest level and requires 16 hours of continuing education every two years. In addition, Certified members receive an enhanced listing on Massagetherapy.com's online referral service, a CD of photos and marketing materials, and priority processing. Certified level members may also utilize one of ABMP’s education-based certification designations (ABMP Certified Massage Therapist, ABMP Certified Bodywork Therapist, ABMP Certified Somatic Therapist). Deciding between the Certified level and Professional level is a personal choice and up to you to determine which level best suits your needs.
How quickly can I join ABMP and receive proof of insurance?
If you can provide credit card information or can fax an enlarged copy of a check made out to ABMP for the appropriate amount, there are several options available to speed up processing. You can apply over the phone or on our website, or you can fax a completed application to us at 800-667-8260. We must also be able to verify training/licensing if no documents are supplied. If everything is in order, the insurance is effective the following day. If you need proof of insurance sooner, we have three options available for an additional charge: Fax processing ($15) means that proof of insurance will be faxed to the party designated by the member within 24 hours; Three-Day Priority Mail Service ($25) ensures that the application will be processed and mailed within three business days; Two-Day Overnight Service ($25—extra charge of $10 for Alaska, Hawaii or for Saturday delivery) means that the application will be processed and mailed using two-day overnight service.
When will my insurance go into effect?
Your membership and insurance goes into effect the day after receipt of your application whether it is received by mail, fax, on-line or taken over the phone, and it will be in effect for one full year from that date.
What exactly does the personal liability insurance cover?
The occurrence form liability policy that ABMP provides to qualified members covers the member's massage operations for professional liability (client alleges malpractice), general liability (client alleges negligence in a slip and fall situation), products liability (client alleges reaction to lotion), and if you rent the business premises, up to $100,000 in fire damage. The insurer will also defend you if someone sues you alleging your wrongdoing in one of the areas mentioned above; those legal expenses are covered in addition to the above policy limits.
Join Now
Online: Just click the "Join" logo and apply online through our secure website. (Once you join, you also get access to exclusive online member benefits, including customized marketing materials and website and e-mail accounts.) If you require immediate proof of insurance, select rush processing (for an additional fee) and get one-day turnaround by either e-mail or fax (your choice).
Fax: 800-667-8260. We’ll pay for the call!
Download, print, and fill out the application. Be sure to include any required copies of state licenses, transcripts, or other school documents.
Telephone: 800-458-2267. Yes, service starts with a toll-free number for members and prospective members. Even more important, we pledge that when you call within our regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. MT), more than 90 percent of the time you’ll talk to a real person or, if our two dozen lines are swamped, receive a call back within an hour. (We’d say 100 percent, but that wouldn’t cover major holidays, staff meetings, a few power outages a year, or occasional staff outings.) Furthermore, the person you reach will either answer your questions right away or get back to you promptly with an answer.
U.S. Mail: Mail us your application. We process applications within seven days of receipt. If you need it sooner, you can order Rush Processing (for an additional fee), and we’ll move you to the front of the line.
When you join ABMP and then recruit a friend to join (at the Certified, Professional, or Practitioner level) or to join our sister organization, Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP), we’ll take $20 off your next year’s membership fees.
Need more information? Download our ABMP Membership brochure. Or call
(800-458-2267), e-mail (
expectmore@abmp.com), or come to Golden, Colorado,
and visit us! That's what we're here for.
We’re different—we want to help. We’re ABMP, where you can always
expectmore.
Need it, find it, buy it
