Active membership with the RMTAO is required to purchase professional liability insurance.
The RMTAO Professional Liability Insurance Program includes:
- $5 million aggregate coverage (all incidents combined in one year)
- $3 million Professional Liability insurance (medical malpractice) coverage per incident
- $3 million Commercial General Liability insurance coverage per incident
- $25,000 Legal Defense Costs
- $500,000 Tenant's Legal Liability
- $3,000 Office Contents (replacement costs) - this is only applicable to the location address provided on the insurance certificate
- $5,000 Identity Theft Protection
- Cupping modality (air and suction only)
- Free legal consultation calls
The coverage outlined above exceeds the minimum coverage requirements of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. If you require a different coverage amount, please contact the insurance broker BFL Canada.
The Professional Liability insurance purchased through RMTAO is on an Occurrence-Form policy wording. This means that the policy covers claims that arise out of damage or injury that took place during the policy period, regardless of when claims are made.
The premium, available exclusively to RMTAO members, is for the period of October 1 to October 1 each year. Premiums will be adjusted when joining throughout the year according to the proration schedule. All premiums are 100% retained by the insurance company (non-refundable) in the event of cancellation by the insured or insurer.
Professional Liability Insurance Rates
The RMTAO offers members two options for purchasing the Professional Liability Insurance coverage. Members may purchase the insurance directly through the RMTAO, or directly with the insurance company through the Trisura Portal. The insurance policy is the same for both methods of purchase. The rates for the coverage will vary depending on method and date of purchase. The expiry date for all policies is October 1st.
| Effective Date | PLI/CGL Premium through RMTAO | PLI/CGL Premium through Trisura Portal | PLI/CGL Premium for New Graduates through Trisura Portal*** |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 1 – December 31 | $94.99 | $90.00** | $50.00 |
| January 1 – March 31 | $85.00 | $85.00 | $50.00 |
| April 1 – August 31 | $75.00 | $75.00 | $25.00 |
| September 1 – September 30* | $20.00 | $20.00 | $20.00 |
All prices are subject to Provincial Sales Tax (PST).
* The RMTAO also offers members advanced enrolment for those new members switching to our program and to new graduates who need their coverage to start right away. Members can purchase insurance coverage to begin in the month of August for $30.00 or September for $20.00, and the fees are added on to the annual insurance premium. The reduced premiums for the months of August and September are subject to the member taking a further one year policy from October 1 – October 1.
** Early bird rate: if coverage for the October 1 – October 1 term is purchased through the Trisura Portal prior to September 15th, the premium is reduced to $85.00. On September 15th, the premium reverts to $90.00.
*** If you a recent graduate from a massage therapy program, you are entitled to a one-time discount on your professional liability insurance.
Optional Additional Modality Coverage
Additional coverage is available for:
| Additional Modalities (Maximum 30% of Revenue) | Additional Premium (Flat) |
|---|---|
| Acupuncture Modality - $1,000,000 per claim, $1,000,000 aggregate limit* (additional education with a certificate of completion is required for Acupuncture Modality coverage) | $150.00 |
| Ultrasound Modality - $1,000,000 per claim, $1,000,000 aggregate limit*, **** | $75.00 |
| Aesthetics and/or Reflexology** | $75.00 |
| Athletic Therapy (Certified CAT (C))*** | TBD, Case by case |
| Laser - Class 4*** | TBD, Case by case |
| Neurokinetic Therapy (also known as NKT)*** | $75.00 |
| Osteopathic Manual Techniques** | $85.00 |
| Personal Training** | $75.00 |
| Shock Wave Therapy** | $250.00 |
| Sound Bathing*** | $250.00 |
| Yamuna Body Rolling** | $100.00 |
* Acupuncture and ultrasound modality insurance coverage may be purchased directly through the RMTAO or through the Trisura Portal. This coverage is as a modality of massage therapy only. If you require additional acupuncture coverage for the CTCMPAO, this acupuncture coverage must also be in force. Contact BFL Canada for details.
** The coverage for the above approved modalities are available directly through the insurance broker, BFL Canada, or online through the Trisura Portal only.
*** The coverage for the above approved modalities are available directly through the insurance broker, BFL Canada.
**** 3 approved schools for individuals that are practicing Osteopathic Manual Techniques and The Canadian College of Osteopathy, The Canadian Academy of Osteopathy and The Southern Ontario College of Osteopathy – 3 year, full Diploma in Osteopathic Manipulative Practice only
Coverage for Activities within Scope of Practice
The professional liability insurance policy of RMTAO will cover to the scope of practice of massage therapy. The scope of practice is defined as:
The practice of massage therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain. (Massage Therapy Act, 1991).
For all modalities, it is the Insured’s responsibility to maintain proof of successful completion of any required courses and proof of certification / accreditation. The Insured must provide these documents upon request. Modalities/practices considered ‘within scope’ for no additional premium:
- Cold laser therapy, low level laser therapy, red light therapy – provided the therapy is below the 30% threshold.
- Clinical Pilates that are not part of RMT services – provided the therapy is below the 30% threshold.
- Hydrotherapy is included, no additional premium. However, hydrotherapy on infants is EXCLUDED. Examples of hydrotherapy are below:
- Thermophore
- Hydrocollator
- Paraffin Wax Bath
- Compresses (e.g. Thai Stem)
- Steam Inhalations
- Arm and Foot Baths
- Full Body Baths
- Underwater massage
- Infrared Sauna – under 18 needs adult sign off
- Hydrotherapy continued
- Steam Baths – under 18 needs adult sign off
- Steam Cabinets – under 18 needs adult sign off
- Hot/cold contrast Bathing
- Ice Packs - common
- Ice Massage
- Cold Sock
- Cool wash
- Salt Scrubs
- IASTM – Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation*. Examples include:
- Graston Technique
- Myofascial Cupping
- Hot/Cold Stone Therapy
- Taping / K-Taping
- TMJ
* It is the Insured’s responsibility to ensure they have received all proper training/certification and that the equipment or instruments are: 1) purchased from a reputable supplier; 2) being used for their intended purpose (meaning they must be intended for use in a commercial therapeutic or massage setting), and 3) used in accordance with industry standards.
Acupuncture Coverage
In an effort to provide more information regarding acupuncture treatment provided by Registered Massage Therapists, the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) and the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario (RMTAO) created a joint fact sheet.
Download Joint Fact Sheet: Acupuncture Treatment Provided by RMTs (PDF)
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006 went into force on April 1, 2013. While this does not directly change the ability of RMTs to perform acupuncture with the scope of practice of massage therapy as an additional modality, it does prevent the use of the title acupuncturist, or equivalent, by those who are not registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO). RMTs are able to gain dual registration with the CMTO and CTCMPAO, in order to practice as both an RMT and TCM Practitioner or Acupuncturist.
The CTCMPAO requirements for Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) are higher than those currently used by RMTs with acupuncture as a modality. For those practitioners seeking dual registration, insurance is needed that meets the CTCMPAO’s requirements of $1,000,000 per claim, aggregate coverage of $5,000,000 and a deductible of no more than $1,000.
Through BFL Canada, and our insurance partner Trisura, RMTs who are also registered with the CTCMPAO can purchase the appropriate additional coverage for an extra fee of $225, provided they have already purchased the acupuncture modality for their current massage therapy professional liability insurance coverage.
Please download the application form below and submit to BFL Canada for further coverage.
Coverage for Complimentary Activities
The RMTAO Professional Liability Insurance Program also covers activities that are outside of but considered complementary to the scope of practice of massage therapy. In these circumstances, the activity must be provided as part of a massage therapy treatment plan and the activities must not constitute more than 30% of the therapist's overall practice.
Modalities considered complementary to massage therapy include but are not limited to:
- Alexander Technique
- Aromatherapy
- Dolphin Neurostim (form of TENS)
- Feldenkrais
- Electrical therapy techniques including:
- IFC
- TENS
- Therapeutic Ultrasound*
- Pulsed High Frequency
- Low Intensity Laser Therapy
- Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST)/Level 1
- Guided Imagery
- Graston Technique and The Edge Blade
- Healing Touch
- Inhalation Therapy
- Kinesiology**
- Meditation
- Pilates
- Reiki (1st degree only)
- Tai Chi
- Therapeutic Touch
- Touch for Health
- Trager
- Yoga***
- Yomassage
* While ultrasound is considered to be complementary to the scope of practice of massage therapy, additional post-graduate training is required. In addition, ultrasound carries an additional risk of harm and therefore an added premium is required to extend coverage to this modality.
** Kinesiology: in Ontario, this is a regulated health profession with specific insurance requirements that are different from the CMTO; separate coverage may need to be arranged.
*** Yoga: specifically regarding post-natal yoga, if the infant is present with the mother during the class, there is a $125 additional premium.
Activities not Covered by this Program
Activities that are deemed to be outside of the scope of practice of massage therapy are NOT covered by the RMTAO Professional Liability Insurance Program. This list should not be interpreted as a complete list of activities outside the scope of the profession. It is a list of those activities about which the College feels the membership requires specific clarification at this time. Modalities considered outside of the scope of practice include but are not limited to:
- Aboriginal Healing
- Allergy Testing
- AquaFit Instruction/Instructor
- Aqua yoga and paddle board yoga
- Association of Ontario Doulas (AOD)
- Athletic Medical Coverage
- Ayurvedic Medicine
- Ayurvedic foot massage
- Ayurvedic massage
- Bach Flower Therapy
- Biodynamics
- Biofeedback
- Chakra Balancing
- Colour Therapy
- Crystal/Gem Therapy
- Dry Needling
- EFT – Emotional Freedom Technique
- Electro Dermal Sensitivity Testing
- Endermology
- Eyelash Perming
- Fire Cupping
- First Responder
- Halotherapy, also known as dry salt therapy
- Hellerwork
- Herbology
- Homeopathy
- Hydrotherapy Float Pools
- Hypnosis
- Iridology
- Light Therapy (brain entrainment therapy for the purposes of deep meditation)
- Lypossage
- Mechanical traction
- Medical aesthetics such as dermaplanning, microneedling, laser hair removal
- Metaphysical Healing
- Muscle Activation Technique (M.A.T.)
- National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA)
- Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAET)
- Orthotics
- Osteopathy
- Personal Training*
- Polarity
- Psychotherapy
- Quantum Zrroid Biofeedback
- Raindrop Therapy
- Reiki - 2nd degree (Reiki treatment delivered without touching the client)
- Religious/Spiritual Healing
- Sound Therapy
- Success Through Alignment Restoration (STAR)
- Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Transcranial Low Level Laser Therapy
- Trigenics
- Vielight Neuro Products
- Watsu
- Wet Cupping
- Zero Balancing
** Personal Training: coverage can be extended for a $75 additional premium, provided that less than 30% of the Insured’s revenue is derived from Personal Training.
The RMTAO Professional Liability Insurance Program will not extend coverage to these services, and when billing for these services, your CMTO registration number cannot be used on the invoice/receipt.
If you are seeking coverage for these services, or have questions about the services covered under the RMTAO Professional Liability Program, please contact BFL Canada.
Contact BFL Canada
Kris Gaetano
416-849-3080
kgaetano@bflcanada.ca
Claire Cosme
416-849-3102
ccosme@bflcanada.ca
For technical assistance with the Trisura Portal, contact :
Trisura Help Desk
info.portal@trisura.com
1-844-264-3317
If you have already renewed your RMTAO membership for the year and need assistance with adding insurance please contact us at info@rmtao.com