Insurance for yoga studios in 2025: What you need to know

Imagine this: You’re leading a peaceful yoga class when a student suddenly slips and gets injured. Or worse, a fire damages your studio, leaving you with a huge repair bill. That’s why insurance for yoga studios is a must. The global yoga market was valued at $107.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow by 9.4% annually through 2030. 

As the yoga industry expands, the risks also increase. Even the best instructors can face accidents or unexpected events. Don’t wait for trouble—stay covered so you can teach stress-free and focus on what you love. 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about insurance for yoga studios in 2025.

Why every yoga studio needs insurance

No matter how careful you are, accidents, legal claims, and unexpected disasters can happen. That’s why insurance for yoga studios isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Here are the reasons:

• Accidents can happen anytime

Even the safest yoga studios see injuries. In fact, a study found that yoga-related injuries have nearly doubled in the past decade, especially among those over 65 (National Library of Medicine).

Liability insurance ensures that if a student gets hurt, you won’t be personally responsible for medical bills or legal fees.

• Unexpected disasters can shut you down

Picture this: 

You walk into your studio, expecting a peaceful morning, only to find it underwater after a massive flood. The floors are ruined, the equipment is soaked, and the repair costs are piling up. 

More than 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster, whether it’s fire, flooding, or theft.

Property insurance protects your studio, covering repair costs so you can rebuild instead of shutting down.

• Lawsuits are more common than you think

Legal claims aren’t rare incidents—over 36% of small businesses face lawsuits every year, and legal costs average $54,000 per case.

Here are just a few instances where yoga instructors or studios were sued:

• A man sues a yoga studio after an unsolicited yoga pose adjustment allegedly led to injury, resulting in a permanent disability.
• A woman sues yoga alleged that an improper yoga adjustment allegedly led to a serious spinal injury that required major surgery.
• A woman sues a yoga studio after a wall mirror falls and shatters on her during yoga class, causing severe lacerations.
• Alec Baldwin’s wife sued after a student was injured in her yoga class allegedly due to overcrowded classroom conditions.

At the end of the day, insurance isn’t just another expense; it’s what keeps your studio, your students, and your passion protected. The last thing you want is to lose everything over something you could have been prepared for.

Essential types of insurance every yoga studio must have

Let’s break it down with real-life scenarios so you know exactly why each type of insurance matters.

1. General liability insurance

It covers injuries and property damage claims from students or visitors. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average slip-and-fall claim is around $20,000. That’s a lot of yoga mats.

Picture this: 

A student rushes into class, excited to practice, but slips on a bit of water near the entrance. Now, they’re stuck with a medical bill, and they might blame you. General liability insurance covers injuries like this. Without it, you could end up paying thousands of dollars out of pocket.

2. Professional liability insurance

It protects against claims of negligence or injury due to instruction. Even if you did nothing wrong, legal defense can cost $50,000 or more.

Let’s say you’re teaching a deep stretch class. One of your students pushes a little too hard (despite your warnings) and pulls a muscle. Later, they claim you didn’t instruct them properly and demand compensation for medical treatment. 

This is where professional liability insurance (aka malpractice insurance) saves the day.

3. Commercial property insurance

It covers damage to your studio from fire, theft, or natural disasters. In 2024, business property damage claims averaged $30,000. That’s a lot of incense sticks.

Commercial property insurance helps replace everything so you don’t have to start from scratch. You spent months decorating your studio with calming lights, expensive mats, and the perfect sound system. Then, disaster strikes. Maybe there’s a fire, or someone breaks in and steals your equipment.

4. Workers’ compensation

Pays for medical expenses and lost wages if employees get injured. In many states and countries, it’s legally required if you have employees.

If you hire instructors, this one’s a must. Let’s say one of your teachers pulls a back muscle while demonstrating a tricky pose. They can’t work, and they need medical care. Workers’ comp covers their medical bills and lost wages.

5. Business interruption insurance

It covers lost income and expenses if your studio is forced to close. The average business closure due to disasters lasts 2-3 months and costs thousands in lost income.

Imagine a storm damaging your studio, and you have to shut down for a month. No classes = no income, but rent, utilities, and other expenses continue. Business interruption insurance helps cover lost revenue so your studio can survive tough times.

6. Cyber liability insurance

It protects against data breaches, hacking, and online fraud. Small businesses account for 43% of cyberattacks, and the average breach costs $200,000.

You collect payments online, store customer info, and run virtual classes. What if hackers steal your clients’ credit card details? Cyber liability insurance covers legal fees, damage control, and fraud costs.

7. Event insurance

It covers cancellations, injuries, or damages during retreats and special events. Even a one-day event can face cancellation losses of $10,000+.

Planning a yoga retreat? What if bad weather forces you to cancel? Or someone gets injured during an outdoor session? Event insurance makes sure you don’t lose money (or get sued) over unexpected mishaps.

Learn more: Insurance for gyms and personal trainers

What affects your yoga studio insurance costs?

Why do some yoga studios pay more for insurance than others? It’s not just about the type of coverage—you’ve got a few key factors that play a big role. 

Let’s break it down.

Studio size and location

If your studio is big or located in a high-traffic area, insurers see more potential risk, which means higher premiums. A small studio in a quiet neighborhood? You’ll likely pay less.

Number of employees

Got a team of instructors? The more staff you have, the higher the insurance cost. More people mean more chances of injury claims, so your policy needs to cover them too.

Coverage limits 

Higher coverage limits mean higher premiums, so it’s all about finding the right balance between safety and affordability.

Claims history

If you’ve made claims in the past, insurers might see your business as a bigger risk. Keeping a clean claims record can help keep your premiums lower over time.

Best insurance companies for yoga studios in the UK

Here’s a breakdown of the top providers in the UK based on affordability, coverage, and ease of application.

Information is correct as of February 2025

Here’s the detail for each:

1. Balens & Zurich – The top choice

Balens & Zurich is, hands down, the most popular option, and for good reason. They’ve partnered with Yoga Alliance Professionals (YAP), one of the most respected yoga certification bodies in the UK. This partnership gives them access to the biggest network of yoga teachers, which helps keep costs reasonable.

Cost: £148/year (YAP membership + insurance)
Without YAP: £88.80/year for basic coverage (no accident or business equipment cover)

So, if you’re already a Yoga Alliance Professional member, you’re basically getting your Balens & Zurich insurance for just £49.

2. Insure4Sport – The most affordable option

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly yet reliable insurance provider, Insure4Sport is your go-to. They’re a part of Ripe Insurance Services Ltd. and are known for their super easy sign-up process.

Cost: Starts at £64.99/year
First-Year Discount: 50% off – just £32.50 for the first year.

Not only is it the cheapest option, but it’s also quick and hassle-free to get a quote.

3. Wellbeing & Hiscox – Best for Iyengar yoga teachers

If you specialize in Iyengar Yoga, you’re probably familiar with Wellbeing Insurance, which partners with Hiscox. They are the official insurance provider for Iyengar Yoga Association members.

Cost: £142.28/year (for a £7M cover)
Downside: The sign-up process is a bit lengthy and complicated compared to Insure4Sport.

4. Simply Business – Good but pricey

Simply Business is another big name in the industry. Unlike the other providers, it acts as a broker, meaning it compares quotes from multiple insurers to find the best deal.

Cost: £279.19/year for a £5M cover
Easy to get a quote: Yes. But it’s pricier than the top three.

If you prefer a one-stop shop for comparing multiple policies, Simply Business is a solid choice.

Read more: 4 Best insurance companies for yoga studios

How to choose the best insurance for your studio

Picking the right insurance is super important. Here’s how to make the best choice:

1. Know what you need

Not all insurance plans cover everything. Some protect you from lawsuits (liability insurance), while others cover property damage or lost income. If you teach online, check if your policy covers virtual classes.

2. Look at coverage limits

A basic plan might not be enough if a major accident happens. Many yoga instructors go for at least £5M in coverage to stay safe from big claims.

3. Compare costs vs. benefits

Cheaper isn’t always better. A policy with low premiums but poor coverage could leave you paying huge bills later.

4. Check the provider’s reputation

Go with trusted companies that specialize in fitness and wellness insurance. Read reviews, ask other instructors, and check if they have worked with Yoga Alliance Professionals or similar organizations.

Conclusion

Teaching yoga is all about peace and balance, but accidents can still happen. A student might fall, a fire could damage your space, or you might face unexpected legal issues. That’s why insurance for yoga studios is so important. It protects you from big costs and keeps your business running smoothly. 

Look for a plan that covers injuries, legal claims, and equipment damage so you can teach without worry. With the right insurance, you can focus on what you love, knowing your studio is safe and secure.