Do Yoga Instructors Need Business Insurance?

Posted by Scott Helfrich on Nov 10, 2016 4:06:00 PM

If you’re a yoga instructor who works out of a gym or studio that you do not own, you are likely not covered   by the business’s insurance. Many studios have a general liability policy, but do not have coverage for mistakes their instructors and trainers might make while working with clients.

 

That kind of insurance is called “professional liability,” or “errors and omissions,” and most places that host yoga classes will require that all of their instructors carry it. Even if you are not required to purchase this insurance to teach at your gym or studio, you should strongly consider making the investment anyway.

 

The Risks of Teaching Yoga without Insurance

We all know the sudden injuries that can occur from doing yoga. Back injuries, joint injuries, pulled muscles, and so on. Even though the majority of these issues can be prevented with careful instruction, there are still other risks that can manifest in costly lawsuits.

 

If a regular student develops chronic back pain while they were under your instruction, they can sue you. The average professional liability case for a small or personal business costs between $10,000 - $100,000 in legal fees, even if you are not found at fault.

 

Your policy or policies should include coverage for abuse/molestation, as well as medical costs of injured students. Make sure that these protects are included before you finish the insurance-buying process.

 

How to Buy the Right Insurance for Teaching Yoga

If you own the studio or gym and also teach yoga in it, then you will need both general liability and professional liability. Depending on the employment status of your other instructors (employee, contract worker, etc.), they may need their own professional liability as well. If you teach a very limited number of hours per week (like 6 or fewer), your insurance company may give you a discount. Ask about one if you fall into that category.

 

If you teach more advanced forms of yoga, such as aerial yoga or acro-yoga, in addition to more traditional yoga styles, then you will likely need additional professional liability policies to protect you from lawsuits involving each of those practices.

 

And finally, if your practice involves any medical or wellness advice outside of the typical yoga class curriculum, or if you serve, make, or use food in any of your operations, additional policies might be in your best interest, or even required by law.

 

Getting the best insurance as a yoga instructor is dependent on communicating exactly what you do to your local agent or insurance broker, so they can advise you as best as possible.

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