Creating a space where people can disconnect, relax and reconnect with their bodies is a valuable mission. Maintaining harmony and well-being within this space requires constant attention, and that includes being prepared for the unexpected. Insurance for yoga centres ensures that, in the event of any incident, the centre and its students are protected, maintaining the trust and peace of mind that are so sought after.
Having this coverage makes it easier for instructors to focus on what is really important: offering quality experiences, guiding their students and fostering an atmosphere of trust and serenity in each class.
If you are thinking of opening a yoga centre or already have one and want to protect it, you can count on Ambler’s professional advice. We are an insurance brokerage since 1991 that works with professionals, individuals and companies of all sizes to identify real risks and design tailor-made policies. Here, we explain why your centre needs insurance, the types of coverage recommended and much more.
Why your yoga centre needs insurance
At first glance, it may seem that this type of business is not exposed to significant risks. However, it is important to consider the following points.
Protection against accidents involving students during classes
In yoga or Pilates centres, the most common injuries include sprains, muscle strains and minor bruises resulting from poorly executed postures or poor support when entering or exiting an asana. Adequate insurance covers agreed healthcare and, where applicable, compensation for bodily injury.
Civil liability for damage to third parties or property
Civil liability protects the studio owner and teaching staff against third-party claims: from a blow with a yoga block causing injury to accidental damage to a student’s mobile phone. It also covers material damage to third-party property, for example to the adjoining premises if a water leak originating in your studio affects their activity.
Legal compliance and peace of mind for owners and teachers
Operating with the right policies helps to meet the requirements for sports facilities and supervised activities, which in many municipalities and autonomous communities require civil liability and, where applicable, accident insurance. In addition, having well-structured coverage prevents disputes and provides security for students, staff and property owners.
Examples of common situations
- Slip in changing rooms: a student falls due to moisture on the floor. The policy activates third-party bodily injury coverage.
- Injury during a dynamic class: while attempting an inversion, a student suffers a neck strain. The centre’s accident insurance covers medical expenses up to the policy limits.
- Unintentional property damage: a wall bracket comes loose and breaks the camera of a content creator attending the class. The civil liability policy responds.
- Water in the neighbouring premises: a break in the installation causes leaks. The centre’s civil liability covers the repair of the damage to the affected party.
Recommended types of insurance for yoga centres
At Ambler, we recommend these types of insurance to protect both centres and students against any unforeseen events.
Civil liability insurance
What it covers
- Bodily injury and property damage to third parties within the studio’s area of activity, corridors, reception, changing rooms and auxiliary areas.
- Legal defence and bail bonds where applicable.
- Possible claims for complementary activities (breathing workshops, pre/postnatal classes, sessions in parks or one-off events, depending on conditions).
Accident insurance
This insurance is activated when a person suffers an injury during an activity at the yoga centre. Depending on the policy, it includes:
- Medical expenses at approved centres or under reimbursement.
- Temporary incapacity and disability according to scales.
- Death by accident (if contracted).
Multi-risk insurance
Multi-risk insurance protects the premises (if owned) and/or the contents: wooden or rubber floors, mirrors, tatami mats, mats, props, sound equipment, reception computers, POS terminals. Standard coverage:
- Fire, explosion, smoke and electrical damage.
- Water damage and fault finding.
- Theft and robbery with replacement of contents.
- Breakage of glass and signs.
- Property liability (if applicable).
Business interruption insurance (optional)
Compensates for loss of income resulting from a claim covered by multi-risk insurance (e.g. fire or water damage forcing temporary closure). It can cover rent, salaries and fixed costs during the period of closure until reopening. For yoga centres with a full schedule and monthly subscriptions, this cover avoids cash flow problems and mass cancellations.
What insurance do I need if I am a self-employed yoga or Pilates instructor?
In this case, you need to be covered by the following insurance policies.
Professional liability insurance
This is required under applicable sports legislation and the requirements of many gyms and studios.
- It covers claims for damage, injury or harm occurring during your classes, whether in Pilates and/or yoga centres, at the student’s home or outdoors.
- Studio managers often require this in order to collaborate or rent rooms.
Temporary disability insurance
Highly recommended if you are self-employed.
- If an injury, accident or illness prevents you from teaching classes, you will receive a daily compensation payment as agreed in your policy, which will allow you to cover your expenses and maintain your income while you are off work.
- You can adjust waiting periods, excesses and amounts to balance cost and protection.
Accident insurance for students
Whether you have your own space or rent a room, this insurance provides an additional layer of health security for those who attend your classes.
- It covers healthcare for injuries sustained by students.
- If you have employees, check whether accident insurance is mandatory in your autonomous community and sector.
Equipment or material insurance
Useful if you transport props or technology: mats, blocks, straps, weights, balls, speakers, tablets or cameras.
- It covers theft, breakage or vandalism during professional activity, with extensions for transport and outside the premises if agreed.
Does the insurance cover online classes or only face-to-face classes?
In these cases, coverage depends on the policy:
- Professional civil liability: can be extended to include online classes. It covers claims for instructions given remotely, provided that certain conditions are met (e.g. safety warnings, guidance on adapting postures and limitation of manual corrections that do not exist remotely).
- Accidents: normally limited to activity within the centre. For remote coverage, specific extensions are considered or it is limited to in-person activities.
- Use of platforms: it is advisable to review data protection, image transfer and legal notices on the chosen platform.
- Recorded content: if you sell courses, include exemption clauses and safe practice recommendations. You can reinforce protection with civil liability for digital products or training, if the insurer provides for it.
How does the size of the centre affect the price of insurance?
The price of policies for yoga centres is calculated using variables that reflect the insured risk:
- Surface area and capacity: a large premises with several shalas and more students per session presents greater exposure.
- Number of students per year: the greater the number of participants, the greater the statistical probability of incidents.
- Activities: gentle styles (hatha, yin, restorative) and classes for pregnant women or older people may have different profiles to vigorous practices (ashtanga, advanced vinyasa, power). Indicating this helps to set appropriate premiums.
- Claims history: previous claims influence pricing.
- Value of contents: premium audio equipment, technical flooring, lighting and decoration increase the insured sum of the multi-risk policy.
- Location and protective measures: the presence of fire detection, CCTV, adequate locks and documented maintenance reduces risk and cost.
What recommendations are there for reducing risk and, therefore, the cost of insurance?
Applying good practices reduces accidents and, over time, can improve conditions and premiums:
Maintenance and safety of the premises
- Floors and wet areas: drying protocols and immediate signage.
- Lighting and tidiness: clear corridors, tidy cables, safe placement of blocks, wheels and balls.
- Regular checks: electricity, air conditioning and plumbing with maintenance records.
Class management
- Health form: initial questionnaire and annual update to detect previous injuries, pregnancy or other circumstances.
- Safety briefing: reminder at the beginning about personal limits, options and use of props.
- Progression: graded sequences, accessible alternatives and emphasis on self-listening.
- Capacity control: number of students in accordance with the usable space, with circulation corridors.
Documentation and consent
- Rules of use: document with recommendations on practice, hygiene and footwear in changing rooms.
- Informed consent: especially if manual assistance is provided.
- Incident report: form for recording falls or injuries, with time, place, witnesses and action taken.
Staff and training
- Qualifications and refresher courses: updating teachers’ knowledge of biomechanics, adaptations and first aid.
- First aid kit and protocol: basic equipment and emergency telephone number clearly displayed.
- Drills: annual evacuation and accident response practice.
Technology and cybersecurity (if digital management is used)
- Access control to booking and payment tools.
- Password and two-factor authentication policy.
- Backup of databases containing personal data.
These measures not only reduce incidents in yoga centres, they also facilitate favourable negotiations with the insurer.
Security and confidence for your yoga studio
Protecting your yoga centre with a solid civil liability, accident, multi-risk and business interruption insurance policy guarantees continuity, confidence and quality of service. At Ambler, we can provide you with professional advice: tell us about your class model and student numbers, and we will propose a clear and tailored solution.
Contact us today so we can help you insure your studio and your students with complete peace of mind.
