When embarking on your journey as a professional yoga teacher, there’s a long list of things to take care of—completing your teacher training, networking with studios, securing classes, booking workshops, building rapport with students, setting up a website, and even curating your social media presence. However, one crucial step that’s often overlooked is getting yoga insurance.
Why Yoga Teachers Need Insurance
As a full-time yoga teacher, I’ve learned firsthand how essential yoga liability insurance is. Whether you’re just starting out or traveling to teach at various studios, private lessons, events, or retreats, many things can go wrong. Being part of the yoga teacher community, you’ll often find that studios require proof of insurance, especially for teaching at events or workshops. Yoga insurance provides the peace of mind you need, ensuring you’re covered before any issues arise.
The Risk of Injuries and Accidents
According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), the number of yoga-related injuries treated in emergency rooms has doubled in the past five years. Over 5,000 yoga-related injuries are reported annually, not including the countless chiropractor visits or massages people undergo to alleviate discomfort caused by repetitive practice. As yoga becomes more advanced, the risk of injury increases—not only from poses but also from accidents in the studio.
In addition to injuries, yoga teachers can be held responsible for theft, property damage, or negligence claims. That’s why liability insurance is crucial for members of the yoga teacher community. It provides protection for everything from medical bills to lawsuits and studio accidents.
Choosing the Right Policy for You
When selecting a yoga insurance policy, it’s important to consider where you are in your teaching journey. If you’re a student or just starting your teacher training, you might be eligible for student rates, which start as low as $25 per year and cover you for up to a year after completing your training. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a policy:
- Compare Rates: If you’re already a certified yoga teacher, professional policies typically range from $150 to $400 per year. Some more affordable policies may provide the same (or better) coverage as pricier ones.
- Ensure Your Styles Are Covered: Make sure the policy covers the specific yoga styles you teach. Bonus: Some policies also include coverage for related practices like massage or reiki at no additional cost.
- Check Your Coverage Area: If you teach outside of a studio—such as private sessions, workshops, or events—ensure your policy covers you in all locations, not just the studio.
- Look for Extra Benefits: Some policies offer additional perks like theft protection, which can be helpful if you work in busy studios. Other benefits may include free business website creation, discounts on yoga products, or professional resources that offset the insurance cost.
For anyone in the yoga teacher community, liability insurance is a must-have. Many studios won’t let you teach without it. Luckily, getting coverage doesn’t have to be complicated—some plans offer instant proof of insurance, allowing you to focus on teaching your next class without worry. Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, but having yoga insurance offers invaluable peace of mind.
Yoga Insurance Comparison Grid
There are some great insurance options for yoga teachers out there. Check out the grid below for a quick comparison of the rates, coverage types, and benefits offered by five of the yoga industry’s leading insurance providers.
| Benefit | beYogi | Alternative Balance | Yoga Alliance | Yoga Journal | IdeaFit |
| Annual Fee –Full Time | $159 | $229 | $233 | $250 | $294 |
| Professional & General Liability | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rental Damage Insurance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Identity Protection | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Stolen Equipment Coverage | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Free Website | ✓ | ||||
| Includes Coverage for 350+ Modalities | ✓ | ✓ |
Note: The information in the comparison grid above has been gathered from the websites of each yoga insurance provider, along with additional third-party sources.
Insurance for YogaFit Teachers
YogaFit teamed up with beYogi Insurance Plus to offer its instructors access to the most comprehensive yoga liability insurance available for only $159 per year. This policy covers yoga, fitness, and personal training exclusively for YogaFit instructors.
