Guide to Music-related Insurance

Insurance is not something most musicians think about when they put a band together, write songs, book shows, record and release albums, and go on tour. But if a musician had their instruments stolen at a show or damaged while on tour, how does one pay to have them repaired or replaced when the instruments themselves are the musician's source of income? How does the musician legally protect themselves if they are found liable for a loss and sued? If a musician gets sick while on tour, how do they pay to go see a doctor and get proper medication? If the musician has also established an LLC for various reasons, what can cover the liabilities they might incur?

Health Insurance | Instrument & Equipment Insurance

(Property insurance information by Meagan Tubb; Health insurance information by Charles Ron Byrd, M.D, Casey Monahan and Andrew Leeper.)

Health Insurance

The service provides informed, musician-friendly support and advice to curious musicians who need free information about health insurance.

The following organizations and companies offer health insurance, insurance referrals and/or emergency medical assistance to musicians and/or people working in the music industry. The listings below are for reference purposes only; no value judgment or endorsement is implied. All information was provided by listee.

Some questions to ask prospective insurers: 1) Does your plan cover preventive care?; 2) What is the deductible?; 3) Does the deductible include procedures and hospitalization only, or does it also apply toward office visits?; 4) Are there excluded conditions, and if so, what are they?; 5) Does the plan offer mental health or substance abuse treatment coverage?

To receive the email address for any organization or company below, please send us an email with the name of the company or organization you are interested in contacting to music [at] gov.texas.gov.

Insurance companies with an office located in Texas are indicated with a Texas flag:

American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (Aflac)
1600 Barton Springs Road, No. A
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 751-9531
Loss of income, emergency room visits, hospital stays, intensive care, organ transplants, short-term disabilities, etc. Where do you get the money to pay for all of this? Musicians, take note now! Aflac has been available since 1955, and our insurance policies enhance your current insurance coverage. It complements your current medical coverage by providing an additional level of protection. Our insurance policies pay cash benefits directly to the insured, unless assigned, so YOU have the freedom of choice to decide whether you spend the funds on leftover medical costs or the personal financial obligations of your household.

American Federation of Musicians
Local 433 • Austin P.O. Box 161480; Austin, TX 78716-1480 (512) 440-1414
Local 644 • Corpus Christi 4525 Clearwater Drive; Corpus Christi, TX 78413 (361) 854-6112
Local 466 • El Paso 1440 Jettie Ray Way; El Paso, TX 79936-7464 (915) 921-5833
Local 72-147 • Fort Worth / Dallas 1939 Stadium Oaks Court, Suite 110; Arlington, TX 76011 (817) 469-6045
Local 74 • Galveston P.O. Box 2037 Galveston, TX 77553 (409) 763-4329
Local 65-699 • Houston 609 Chenevert Street; Houston, TX 77003-3099 (713) 236-8676; (800) 965-9465
Local 23 • San Antonio 427 North Main Avenue; San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 227-3582

American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
260 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10016-2401
(212) 532-0800
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) is a national labor union representing nearly 80,000 performers, journalists and other artists working in the entertainment and news media. AFTRA signed a new contract last year that gained health care benefits for its members. This included singers who are union members and who record for labels that have a contract with the union.

Artist's Health Insurance Resource Center
1000 Vermont Avenue NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 371-2830
Health insurance is often a concern for self-employed artists, and for small arts organizations. The Artist's Fund offers information on health insurance options for individuals and organizations working in any arts field.

ASCAP • American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
600 Sabine Street, No. 210
Austin, TX 78701
(800) 605-3187; (512) 472-1818
ASCAP is the only U.S. performing rights organization to offer a Member Card with a full-range of benefits created for the working music professional. These include MusicPro Insurance offering health, life, longterm care, instrument, equipment, studio and tour liability insurance; a credit union; an investment program; Guitar Center benefits; discounts on musical instruments and accessories, CD manufacturing, promotional merchandise, and much more.

BMI
10 Music Square East
Nashville, TN 37203-4399
(615) 401-2000
BMI is now offering the industry's most respected - and affordable - insurance coverage for musical instruments and equipment from MusicPro, the industry's acknowledged leader. MusicPro is able to offer economical rates thanks to the combined buying power of thousands of music industry professionals. MusicPro also offers health and life insurance.

eHealth Insurance
11919 Foundation Place, Gold River, CA 95670
(800) 977-8860
Get affordable health insurance quotes and compare individual health insurance plans side by side. eHealth Insurance can help you find individual, family or small business health insurance and the best medical insurance plans for your needs and budget.

The Entertainment Industry Group Insurance Trust
845 Third Ave, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10022
(212) 758-5675; (800) 886-7504
Since 1965, The Entertainment Industry Group Insurance Trust (TEIGIT) has administered health insurance plans for members of participating associations in the arts and entertainment industry. TEIGIT offers evidence of insurability plans in Texas and can also offer some automatic issue plans for companies. Signa dental is also available in Texas from TEIGIT.

Future of Music Coalition's HINT – the Health Insurance Navigation Tool
1615 L Street NW, Suite 520
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 822-2051
In 2005, FMC teamed up with Alex Maiolo and Chris Stephenson to create HINT – the Health Insurance Navigation Tool. HINT provides informed, musician-friendly support and advice to musicians who need information about health insurance, for free. HINT does not sell health insurance.

HAAM, the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4
3010 S Lamar Blvd, Ste 200, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 541-4226
Organizations/Associations
The mission of the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians is to provide access to affordable healthcare for Austin’s low-income, working musicians, music teachers, and DJs, with a focus on prevention and wellness. By resolving challenges such as long-neglected dental work to hearing loss, heart problems and depression, HAAM, along with community partners, improve and save musicians’ lives and enhance Austin’s economy and quality of life. Interested applicants can schedule an eligibility appointment by visiting www.myhaam.org/become-a-member

HealthInsuranceInfo.net • Consumer Guides for Getting and Keeping Health Insurance
3300 Whitehaven Street NW, Suite 5000, Box 571444, Washington, DC 20057
(202) 687-0880; Fax (202) 687-3110
The Georgetown University Health Policy Institute has written "A Consumer Guide for Getting and Keeping Health Insurance" for each state and the District of Columbia. These Consumer Guides will be updated periodically as changes in federal and state policy warrant. The Guides summarize your protections, and so may not answer all of your questions. They are not a substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert before making any decisions about your own health insurance. The authors, the Health Policy Institute, and Georgetown University specifically disclaim any personal liability, loss or risk incurred as a consequence of the use and application, either directly or indirectly, of any information presented therein.

Hickory Wind Ranch
1013 Penion Drive, Austin, TX 78748
(310) 251-6766
Hickory Wind Ranch provides an alcohol and drug free sober living environment for recovering women, specializing but not limited to women in the entertainment industry. We provide experienced direction in the field of substance abuse with deep ties to the recovery community. We also provide round-the-clock on-premises resident management and supervision.

Independent Insurance Services
12406 Magnifico Street
San Antonio, TX 78233
(210) 733-1665; (888) 733-1665
Independent Insurance Services offers all lines of health, life and occupational accident coverage insurance to musicians. A member of the Recording Musicians Association. Licensed in Texas, Nevada, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Ohio.

Local 1000
322 West 48th Street, Third Floor
New York, NY 10036
(212) 843-8726
Traveling musicians, like other self-employed people in the U.S., face the enormous difficulty of finding affordable, accessible health insurance. Local 1000 has two options, SoundHealthCare and through American Federation of Musicians Local 802 in New York City.

The Methodist Hospital Center for Performing Arts Medicine
1P.O. Box 4384, Houston, TX 77210
(713) 394-6088
The Methodist Hospital Center for Performing Arts provides medical care to meet the special needs of performing artists. As a performing artist you may have experienced ailments or injuries such as tendonitis, focal dystonia, depression, stage fright, or problems surrounding your voice, hearing, joints, hormones, skin or teeth. Maybe you have even missed performances because of health issues.

MusiCares Foundation • Recording Academy
1904 Wedgewood Avenue
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 327-0050; (877) 626-2748
Debbie Carroll
The MusiCares Foundation was established in 1989 by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences with the objective of focusing the attention and resources of the music industry on the health, human service and welfare needs of all music people. MusiCares provides a lifeline to music people in need of financial or other assistance. Self-supported through fund-raising activities, MusiCares programs offer Emergency Financial Assistance and Addiction Recovery. Long-term goals include the creation of health clinics and retirement facilities for the music community.

Musicians Benevolent Society of Houston
P.O. Box 66253
Houston, TX 77266-6253
(713) 204-3238
The Musicians Benevolent Society of Houston (MBS) was established in 1990 as a tax-exempt 501c3 Texas corporation to provide up to $1,000 in temporary, emergency financial assistance to musicians in need.

Music Maker Relief Foundation
4052 Summer Lane
Hillsborough, NC
27278
(919) 643-2456; Fax (919) 643-2597
Music Maker Relief Foundation, Inc. helps the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern music gain recognition and meet their day to day needs. We present these musical traditions to the world so American culture will flourish and be preserved for future generations. Our criterion for recipients is they be rooted in a Southern musical tradition, be 55 years or older and have an annual income less than $18,000. Music Maker Relief Foundation, Inc. is a tax exempt, public charity under IRS code 501(c)3. Programs include: Musician Sustenance - grants to meet basic life needs and emergency relief.; Musical Development - grants and services for recipient artist professional development and career advancement.; Cultural Access - supports the preservation and proliferation of American musical traditions; and New Orleans Musician's Fund - assistance to musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina.

MusicPro Insurance Agency
45 Crossways Park Drive
Woodbury, NY 11797
(516) 487-0300; (800) 605-3187
MusicPro Insurance Agency offers several low cost insurance options for the music professional including: coverage on instruments and equipment; studio liability; tour liability; and travel/personal accident insurance covering accidents sustained in the home, on or off the job, traveling as a passenger or while on tour. MusicPro is also pleased to offer a wide choice of individual and family medical insurance plans and dental plans, administered by eHealthInsurance Services, Inc. including: term life insurance, long-term care insurance, homeowner's, renter's, automobile, and small business insurance.

National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)
1100 Terra Street
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 576-6800
The group negotiating power of the NASE makes it possible for us to offer valuable benefits to our members. One of these benefits is access to health insurance coverage. The NASE endorses several financially strong insurance carriers that offer a variety of products and plans customized to meet the special needs of the self-employed individual or small-business owner. Benefits / coverage include Accidental Death Benefit, Medco Health Prescriptions, Assist America Nurse Hotline, Association Advantage Card Vision One, CAREINGTON International Endorsed Health Coverage, and Hospital Confinement & Emergency Room Benefits.

SIMS Foundation
54 Chicon
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 472-1008
SIMS Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded and based in Austin, Texas, which provides access to low cost mental health services for Austin area musicians and their immediate families. SIMS pays a portion of the provider's fees and providers generously reduce their rates, thereby keeping the client's costs down to only $10 per session. SIMS also offers a six-weeks series called Harmony in the Home. The first session will focus on parenting in the musician’s family.

Sweet Relief
4150 Riverside Drive, No. 212
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 563-5140
Sweet Relief provides financial assistance to musicians of all kinds for medical expenses, alternative therapies, treatment for alcohol or chemical dependency, prescriptions, and living expenses if the artist is unable to work. Sweet Relief also has a new financial assistance program especially for retired or semi-retired older musicians, which helps pay living expenses.

Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool
P. O. Box 6089
Abilene, TX 79608
(888) 398-3927
The Texas Health Insurance Pool is an individual health insurance program created by the Texas Legislature to provide health insurance to Texas residents who either (i) cannot obtain adequate health insurance coverage as a result of their medical conditions, or (ii) are considered "Federally Eligible Individuals," as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, commonly referred to as HIPAA. The Health Pool is managed by a nine member Board of Directors, appointed by the Commissioner of Insurance.

Additional Organizations Offering Insurance

In addition, many professional and social organizations offer medical insurance plans to their members. Although each organization has different membership qualifications, many are open to a wide variety of individuals, including people in the music industry.

Americana Music Association / Sound Healthcare
555 Church Street, Suite 2403
Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 256-8667
R. J. Stillwell; Tatum Hauck
rj.stillwell [at] soundhealthcare[dot]org
The Americana Music Association's endorsement of Sound Healthcare provides professional members access to a variety of benefits and insurance programs. With worldwide coverage to U.S. Residents, Sound Healthcare has several levels of benefits that can be tailored to meet specific needs. They have access to a line of products and services in the fields of Health, Life, Dental and Critical Illness. Insurance quotes available before becoming an Americana Music Association member.

Austin Federation of Musicians / Sound Healthcare
555 Church Street, Suite 2403
Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 256-8667
R. J. Stillwell; Tatum Hauck
rj.stillwell [at] soundhealthcare[dot]org
The Austin Federation of Musicians endorsement of Sound Healthcare provides professional members access to a variety of benefits and insurance programs. With worldwide coverage to U.S. Residents, Sound Healthcare has several levels of benefits that can be tailored to meet specific needs. They have access to a line of products and services in the fields of Health, Life, Dental and Critical Illness. Insurance quotes available before becoming an Americana Music Association member.

eve
8605 Santa Monica Blvd.
PMB 65682
West Hollywood, CA 90069
insurance@eve.io
"eve has made obtaining an event cancellation policy part of the event lifecycle, rather than just another daunting task on your to-do list. We have transformed the traditional event insurance experience of purchasing, using and claiming on a policy to be completely digital; the application, communication and policy information is all handled within the eve software. The fully digital experience also provdes data-driven insights that put you in a better position to devise a risk management strategy and implement a solution befire it's too late. eve insurance is provided by Allianz.

Woodmen of the World / Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society
Woodmen Tower
1700 Farnam Street
Omaha, NE 68102
(800) 225-3108
Woodmen of the World/Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society is a nonprofit, fraternal benefit society committed to our members, their families and their communities. Founded in 1890, Woodmen is one of the largest fraternal benefit societies in the United States, offering insurance protection with member benefits. Woodmen's insurance products include whole life, flexible premium life, term life, and hospital supplement insurance, cancer insurance, long term care insurance and annuities. Mutual Funds and other investment products are available through Woodmen Financial Services, a wholly owned subsidiary.

The Order of the Sons of Hermann
515 South St. Mary's Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 344-3935
The Order of the Sons of Hermann in Texas is a not-for-profit fraternal life insurance company, also referred to as a fraternal benefit society.

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
1301 West Seventh Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
(817) 332-7064
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association offers members access to an insurance benefit package that can usually be found with employment through large corporations. Membership is not exclusive to people working in the cattle industry.

Instrument and Equipment Insurance

One way to cover instruments is through a Personal Articles Policy, or PAP. A PAP policy allows you to schedule specific items of high value and the approximate stated or appraised value of the items listed. These policies are written on an annual basis and usually have a minimum of $30 per year. It is possible to add an endorsement to the policy for inflation, which would cover the future costs of replacing items on the policy.

Personal articles policies usually have limits on the amount of coverage per item and the amount of coverage for the entire policy, (for example- $25,000 per item, $100,000 per policy).

The coverage under these policies is extremely broad. Personal articles policies generally insure against direct physical damage to the property covered, with only a few limitations and exclusions.

Coverage applies anywhere in the world (except for fine arts which are only covered within the US and Canada). The coverage is based on the lesser of the actual cash value at time of loss or damage, the cost to repair or replace the property at the time of the loss, or the applicable limit of insurance. Exceptions are jewelry and fine arts. These are insured under an "agreed value"-meaning the amount of insurance shown for each fine art item and each jewelry item is the agreed value in the event of a total loss. The property must be scheduled with the amount of insurance applicable to each item.

It is allowable to issue policies with bulky schedules involving a large number of items without attaching the schedule to the policy.

Pairs or sets of articles are covered for the 1) cost to repair or replace any part to restore the pair or set to its original value or 2) pay the difference between the ACV (actual cash value) of the property before and after the loss. However, for jewelry and fine arts, when there is a loss to a pair or set, the scheduled amount will be paid for the pair or set if the insured (that's you) surrenders the remaining of the pair or set to the insurance company.

Newly acquired jewelry, furs, fine arts, cameras, and musical instruments are covered if the insurance company already insures that type and class of property. Please note, there is a 25% limitation of the existing amount of insurance or $10,000 whichever is less. Also, the insured must report the newly acquired property within 30 days.

In cases where the musical instruments being insured are in excess of $5,000, an appraisal or bill of sale is necessary. A bill of sale or appraisal not more than 2 years old will be considered current, although in many instances this may be inadequate. However, the date purchased should be provided at all times. Usually a bill of sale is more desirable since quite often appraisals, particularly those that include the statement "for insurance purposes" have over inflated values to make the purchaser feel he is getting a real bargain.

Special underwriting consideration must be given for musical instruments, particularly ones that are used professionally. Generally speaking, coverage for professional musicians (receiving remuneration) must be placed with what is known as a "surplus lines" company. They handle hard to place risks and due to the nature of where and how the instruments are used. For instance, if you are a musician who tours on the road with a band and plays primarily at bars, taverns, and night clubs, you would need to contact a surplus lines insurance carrier for your instrument coverage. This is because the fire and theft hazards are greatly increased in these venues. If you had a child who played an instrument for remuneration, this would normally be covered be acceptable using the professional rates with a general lines insurance carrier. Music teachers who receive income from teaching rather than from playing musical instruments are not considered a professional, unless, they receive remuneration for playing in addition to teaching. The only full time professional who qualifies for coverage is the individual who plays in a symphony or similar type orchestra.

You may receive a discount on your Personal Articles Policy for musical instruments if your home has a fire/burglar alarm which reports to either a fire department, police department, or central station. Fire extinguishers and dead bolt locks may also result in discounts.

Personal Articles Policies are written on an all-risk basis. This means that the every type of peril is insured against except for specific exclusions and conditions that apply which would be stated in the policy.

Below is an example of a calculated premium for a Personal Articles Policy on a guitar worth $3,000.

$3,000 divided by 100= 30 X (rate of 1.29) = $38.70 a year
If you had a total loss, and had to replace this instrument, you can see how valuable it would be to have this coverage. Please bear in mind, this rate is calculated on a non-professional basis through a general lines company. If you are a professional musician who plays primarily in night clubs and bars, you would need to contact a surplus lines insurance carrier, such as Myron Steves in order to receive an estimated annual quote.

Companies that provide instrument, equipment and event insurance include:

Cossio Insurance Agency
Larry Cossio, Owner
107 Old Laurens Road
Simpsonville, SC 29681
(864) 688-0121
info [at] cossioinsurance.com
Cossio Insurance Agency offers affordable insurance for solo musicians, bands & other types of entertainers in all 50 states. We also offer coverage for special events such as concerts, music festivals & other types of events. We specialize in insuring the amusement and entertainment industry.

Roeder & Moon
P.O. Box 180489
Dallas, TX 75218-0489
(214) 324-3700; (800) 580-3545; Fax (214) 328-1906
Roeder and Moon provides insurance for concerts, special events, musical groups, recording studios and promoters. Liability premiums are as low as $225 per event. Our personal insurance department provides coverage for high profile individuals.