Holistic Therapy Insurance UK: What Does It Cover?
Holistic therapy practitioners often have to juggle their responsibility to support patient well-being and the obligations involved in running their own business. Like most business owners, holistic therapists typically have to think about liability and insurance. These topics can lead to stress and affect the holistic therapist’s own mental health. Below, we’ll discuss holistic therapy insurance in the UK, what it covers, and how holistic therapists can get help with their mental health. This article is intended to provide information but not legal advice. Each business is different, so consulting with an insurance professional and a qualified legal services provider is recommended.
What is holistic therapy?
Holistic therapy refers to a healing approach that treats the whole person. Holistic therapists typically aim to improve a person’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health, recognizing that each of these tend to be intertwined. Professionals may use a variety of techniques, such as mindfulness, breath work, massage, acupuncture, and/or aromatherapy, to care for a patient’s mind, body, and spirit.
What are holistic insurance services for complementary therapy providers?
Holistic insurance services provide specific protections for holistic and complementary therapists. Complementary therapy approaches can sometimes pose unique risks that other businesses may not face, and specific specialist policies can sometimes cover these situations.
Holistic therapy insurance UK: What does holistic insurance cover?
Some policies can also provide protection in case a practitioner becomes ill or injured. This type of coverage may provide income if a practitioner cannot work while recovering. Also, such insurance may cover employees as well, depending on the specific policy.
Some holistic therapy business owners might also purchase insurance that covers office or therapy equipment. This may depend on the size of a business and the equipment needed. Some insurance plans may also cover legal fees for business owners who have to go to court for certain reasons. This may be especially important for practitioners who incorporate various hands-on physical treatments.
In the UK, various companies across the country that offer insurance for business owners. Holistic or complementary therapists who are looking for coverage might consider contacting a few companies to get quotes and making a chart to compare different providers, costs, and coverage to help them make a decision.
Massage insurance for mind and body
Massage therapy can be healing for both mind and body, but it can also present some risks to business owners. One of the most common types of insurance that massage therapists have is typically public liability insurance in case a therapist’s practice causes injury or property damage. In some cases, a client may attribute an injury to treatment. This type of insurance may help protect therapists financially in such cases.
Some massage therapists travel to clients' homes or businesses, so it may be helpful to consult an expert about coverage in these situations. Car insurance is typically required for those who travel this way, but it may also be helpful to ask your insurance provider if entering a client’s home involves any legal risk.
Some business owners may also employ other therapists, who can be covered by certain types of plans. In some cases, the owner of a massage therapy practice may choose to purchase personal accident insurance, which may cover both themselves and any employees in case they’re injured at work or outside of work.
Acupuncture insurance for physical and mental health
Acupuncture is a treatment that was developed thousands of years ago and can have a significant impact on a person’s physical and mental health. However, it may pose some unique risks for acupuncture therapists. Acupuncturists might consider purchasing some type of public liability insurance in case a patient is injured or blames an acupuncture business for financial losses due to an injury. Some acupuncturists might also consider stock insurance in case equipment or tools, such as needles and tables, are lost, stolen, or damaged.
Emotional support for those who provide complementary therapies
Holistic therapists can sometimes face significant stress—not only related to caring for the needs of others but also related to running a business. If they have employees, they may also worry about maintaining a steady flow of income to meet payroll and complementary therapy insurance expenses. For these reasons, they may benefit from speaking with a professional about any stress or anxiety they’re experiencing.
Exploring online psychotherapy
Holistic therapists who live in an area with few psychotherapists may benefit from online therapy. With online therapy, they can be matched with a professional from anywhere in the UK.
Online therapy allows individuals to speak with a therapist remotely via phone, video, live chat, or a combination of methods. They can also contact their therapist between sessions at any time. Holistic therapists may find this feature useful if experiencing excessive stress between therapy sessions.
In recent years, numerous peer-reviewed studies have indicated the potential effectiveness of online therapy. For example, one systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—an evidence-based form of therapy—can often be effective for generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorders, and substance use disorder, among other challenges. That said, remember that you don’t have to have a diagnosable disorder to potentially benefit from counselling.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
Where can you get holistic therapy insurance (UK-specific)?
Holistic or complementary therapist insurance is typically available through insurance companies all over the UK. In many cases, you can receive a quote the same day. It may be wise to create a chart with the premiums and the specific types of coverage available from two or three insurance companies to help you compare them and make your decision. If certain plans don’t include legal fees, you might ask how much an additional premium might be for this type of coverage.
What are popular holistic or complementary therapies?
According to a study published by the Federation of Holistic Therapists, reflexology is the most popular form of complementary or holistic therapy, followed by massage therapy and aromatherapy. Reflexology is a type of complementary therapy based on the premise that various parts of the body correspond to different reflex points in the hands, head, and feet.
Does this type of policy cover malpractice?
Many policies of holistic therapy insurance cover harm accidentally caused during treatment. However, the amount of coverage may depend on the specific policy. This type of coverage may help when a current or former patient believes that a holistic practitioner caused them harm.
Are employees who provide holistic treatments covered by insurance?
Individuals who have employees, full time or part time, are typically required to have employers’ liability insurance. This type of insurance may cover the employer in case an employee is injured on the job or harmed by materials they work with. It may also protect the employer if an employee believes their long-term work duties caused them harm.
Are legal fees covered in holistic insurance services?
In some cases, legal fees may be covered by employers’ liability insurance. In other cases, a holistic practitioner might take out separate legal expenses insurance to cover fees if someone blames them for an illness or injury.
Holistic therapy differs from regular therapy because it focuses on treating the whole person rather than just their mental health. Holistic therapists in the UK often use a combination of traditional and alternative therapeutic techniques.
According to a 2018 survey, around 16% of respondents reported that they had seen a CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practitioner. However, the majority of these individuals did not seek these treatments for mental health concerns. Instead, most of them sought CAM for musculoskeletal pain and problems.
In general, only doctors can prescribe medication. Therefore, if a holistic therapist has been to medical school, they may prescribe medication. Business guides recommend that holistic therapists, particularly those who prescribe medication, have various forms of business insurance or holistic therapist insurance, such as professional liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance.
While updated research is needed, a 2013 study reported that “the average perceived effectiveness across all surveys on CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) in general was 49.7%.” Additional research may provide full details on the efficacy of holistic therapy.
Mindfulness and yoga are a couple of holistic treatments for anxiety that may be beneficial. Regular exercise, in general, can be very helpful for people with anxiety, although it can be important to consult your doctor first to avoid bodily injury. Stress reduction and relaxation exercises could also help those struggling with the symptoms of anxiety.
- Previous Article
- Next Article