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Liability insurance, without the sales pitch

Which coverage matters in your situation, how the liability types differ, and exactly what to ask before signing anything. A framework, not a ranking — no affiliate links, no paid placement, no “best of” lists.

NOT INSURANCE OR LEGAL ADVICENO AFFILIATE RELATIONSHIPS
PART I · COVERAGE-CONTEXT MATRIX — YOUR SITUATION × COVERAGE TYPE
SituationProfessional liabilityharm alleged from your treatmentGeneral liabilityslip-and-fall, premises, non-treatmentProduct liabilityoils, lotions, tools you use or sell
Studentin supervised clinic or externshipOFTEN COVERED ELSEWHERESchool clinic policy usually applies — but often only on premises, under supervision. Confirm scope in writing.OFTEN COVERED ELSEWHEREPremises liability typically sits with the school.DEPENDS — CONFIRM WORDINGRarely addressed for students; ask if you bring your own oils or tools.
Employed (W-2)spa, clinic, or franchise employeeDEPENDS — CONFIRM WORDINGEmployer policy may cover treatment claims — it protects the business first. Many carry their own anyway.OFTEN COVERED ELSEWHEREPremises coverage is the employer’s; you rarely need your own at their location.DEPENDS — CONFIRM WORDINGCovered only if you use employer-supplied products per policy.
Self-employed / ICcontractor, renter, or own studioTYPICALLY YOUR RESPONSIBILITYAlmost always yours to carry — clinics commonly require proof before you touch a table.TYPICALLY YOUR RESPONSIBILITYNeeded if clients enter a space you control; landlords may require being named as additional insured.TYPICALLY YOUR RESPONSIBILITYYours if you apply or sell products — check it is included, not an add-on.
Mobile / in-homeadded to any of the aboveTYPICALLY YOUR RESPONSIBILITYRequires explicit off-premises coverage; silence in the policy is not coverage.DEPENDS — CONFIRM WORDINGClient-home incidents fall in gray zones — ask how the policy treats third-party property damage.TYPICALLY YOUR RESPONSIBILITYProducts travel with you; confirm coverage follows the work, not the address.
NOTE · “EMPLOYER MAY COVER” PROTECTS THE BUSINESS FIRST — WHETHER IT DEFENDS YOU IS A POLICY-WORDING QUESTION. ASK Q4 BELOW.
PART II · THE TWO STRUCTURAL CHOICES
CHOICE 1 · POLICY FORM

Occurrence vs claims-made

Occurrence covers incidents that happen while the policy is active, even if the claim comes years later. Claims-made covers claims filed while active — ending it can end protection unless you buy “tail” coverage.

CHOICE 2 · WHERE YOU BUY

Association coverage vs standalone policy

Membership-based coverage is bundled with a professional association — often occurrence form, often with student tiers, plus non-insurance member value. Standalone policies are pure insurance — compare on limits, exclusions, and wording alone.

PART III · TWELVE QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU CHOOSE
MD-FORM·INSQ-009 · FREE
THE POLICY FORM
  • Is this occurrence or claims-made? If claims-made, what does tail coverage cost?
  • What are the per-occurrence and annual aggregate limits?
  • Is there a deductible, and does the insurer defend me or just reimburse?
WHO IS COVERED
  • Am I insured individually, or only while working for this employer?
  • Can my LLC or landlord be added as additional insured — and at what cost?
  • Does coverage follow me across state or provincial lines?
WHERE AND HOW I WORK
  • Is mobile / in-home / event work explicitly covered in the policy wording?
  • Are any modalities I practice excluded (cupping, ashiatsu, hot stone)?
  • Are products I apply or sell covered — included, or an endorsement?
THE FINE PRINT
  • What happens to my coverage when I pause, move, or retire?
  • What is bundled besides insurance — and would I pay for this policy alone?
  • How are claims reported, and is there a deadline that can void coverage?
NOTE · PROVIDER COLUMNS OPEN ONLY WITH SOURCED, DATED FACTS AND EDITORIAL REVIEW — NO PAID PLACEMENT, EVER.