I’ve Never Had a Problem, So Do I Really Need Liability Insurance?

You’re careful. You’re intentional. You work with integrity and create a safe, supportive space for your clients.

So when someone suggests you need liability insurance, it might feel unnecessary! Especially if you’ve never had a client issue, a safety concern, or anything even close to a legal problem.

Still, things can (and do) happen. Sometimes in ways you couldn’t predict.

A client loses their footing walking into your space. Someone reacts to a flower essence or a technique you’ve used before. A misunderstanding during a session turns into a complaint you didn’t see coming.

You don’t have to do anything wrong for someone to file a claim. And when you work with the public, even one unexpected moment can put your practice at risk.

You’re Not Alone for Wondering

Most energy healers do not start their practice thinking about insurance. Your focus is on showing up for your clients, not on what might go wrong.

Even in a calm and respectful setting, you are offering a professional service. And that means there is always a level of responsibility involved.

Liability insurance is not about expecting conflict. It is there because not every outcome is within your control. While these situations may not come up regularly – and thank goodness for that – they are not “rare” occurrences, either. Liability risk is just not talked about often enough in healing circles, though it is part of the reality of running a practice.

Though others have wondered the same thing, though we’re glad you haven’t had a problem up until now, if we were to write this blog with a simple answer in response to the question at hand, it would be “yes, you do.”

Let’s talk about why.

When Caution Isn’t Enough

Most liability claims are not obvious mistakes. They often stem from situations that feel minor or unexpected in the moment, but quickly escalate.

A few examples:

• A client trips on your front step on the way into their appointment and breaks their wrist.
• You use a lotion or oil during a session, and the client has an unexpected allergic reaction.
• A client feels emotionally unsettled after a session and believes your work caused harm or distress, even if you followed your usual process.

In each of these cases, it doesn’t matter whether you intended harm or followed your best judgment. What matters is that the other person believes you’re responsible. That’s where liability insurance becomes essential: it provides support, legal protection, and financial coverage if a claim is filed.

Even if the claim goes nowhere, responding to it takes time, energy, and potentially thousands of dollars. Without coverage, you absorb that burden yourself.

Being insured allows you to stay grounded in your work without the added stress of navigating a difficult situation alone.

Why No Incidents Doesn’t Mean No Risk

It’s natural to think that because nothing has gone wrong so far, you’re in the clear. That kind of track record speaks to your professionalism and care! Yet keep in mind that the absence of past problems does not reduce the possibility of future ones.

The one time something goes differently can open the door to questions you are not prepared for. Having insurance doesn’t assume something will go wrong; it simply means you are protected if it ever does.

What It Means to Practice Professionally

Professionalism in energy healing is defined by many characteristics. Whether you consider the certifications you hold, the practices you follow, and the choices you make about how you run your businesses – it comes down to how you conduct yourself and present your practice to your audience.

This means creating clear agreements with clients. It means respecting boundaries, honoring scope of practice, and continuing to learn so your work stays informed and responsible. It also means thinking beyond the session itself and considering what your clients need to feel safe.

Liability insurance is another one of the practical tools that supports a well-run practice. You have a plan in place, and that speaks volumes about how seriously you take your role.

What’s Next: Get the Guide

If you’re beginning to see why liability insurance matters, the next step is learning what kind of coverage actually fits your work.

Not all policies are created equally, and not all of them are designed for energy healing or holistic practices. That’s why we created the EMPA Buyer’s Guide. It walks you through the most important things to look for, the types of coverage that matter, and how to make a choice that supports your goals.

Whether you’re just getting started or have been in practice for years, the guide will help you ask the right questions and feel more confident navigating your options.

Download the EMPA Buyer’s Guide to take the next step in protecting your practice – clearly, confidently, and on your terms.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not provide legal, financial  or medical advice. The examples are general, and coverage may vary by policy. Always refer to your insurance provider or policy language for specific details, as the policy terms take precedence. For legal concerns related to your practice, consult an attorney.