Which insurer do you use, and have you ever had to claim?

Thanks for starting this topic, Jessica.

I'd say the biggest mistake is choosing insurance purely on price. You can find fairly cheap policies, but that doesn't necessarily mean they suit the treatments you're offering.

In a spa, the business usually arranges its own insurance, but that doesn't automatically mean every therapist is personally covered for everything. It's worth understanding where the employer's responsibility ends, and yours begins, especially if you're also taking private clients.

For anyone going self-employed, I'd look for professional indemnity and public liability cover, and make sure every treatment you offer is included. Deep tissue, sports massage and any specialist techniques may have different qualification requirements depending on the insurer.

I'd also check the excess, the claims process and whether mobile work is covered. A policy might look like a bargain until you discover an exclusion when you actually need it.

Balens, Holistic Insurance Services and professional body schemes are worth comparing, although I wouldn't recommend one without checking the actual policy wording.

Personally, I think insurance is one of those business expenses you shouldn't try to save £20 or £30 on if it means compromising your cover. I'd rather pay a little more and know exactly what I'm insured to do.