As a certified Oncology Yoga teacher, carrying professional liability insurance is an essential part of maintaining a safe, ethical, and professional practice. Working with individuals affected by cancer comes with added responsibility, and insurance provides critical protection—for both you and your students. It ensures you’re covered in the event of an injury, misunderstanding, or claim, whether you’re teaching in a studio, hospital, community center, or online. Even with the highest standards of care, unexpected situations can arise—insurance offers peace of mind so you can focus on providing safe, supportive, and healing experiences.
Please review the below in sourcing the right coverage for you:
1. General & Professional Liability Insurance
This is the core coverage needed. It protects against claims of bodily injury, negligence, or professional error.
- Coverage should include:
- Teaching individuals with medical conditions (including cancer)
- Hands-on adjustments (if performed)
- Online/virtual sessions
- Teaching in studios, hospitals, gyms, or private homes
2. Product Liability Insurance (if using props/equipment)
Covers claims related to injury from use of props like blocks, straps, or chairs—especially in therapeutic settings.
3. Abuse/Misconduct Coverage
Some organizations require this for teaching in hospitals or nonprofit settings. It protects against false allegations of misconduct.
4. Optional Add-Ons
- Worldwide Coverage (if teaching internationally)
- Rental Damage Insurance (if renting space)
- Business Personal Property (if you use your own props)
Trusted Providers Commonly Used by Yoga Professionals
(Always confirm Oncology Yoga is covered)
- BeYogi – https://www.beyogi.com Offers a specific policy that includes coverage for teaching individuals with cancer.
- Philadelphia Insurance Companies – Popular for hospital or institutional contractors. https://www.phly.com/
- Alternative Balance – https://www.alternativebalance.com Often used by yoga therapists and those in wellness professions.
- Insurance Canopy – https://www.insurancecanopy.com Includes coverage for virtual sessions.
- Yoga Alliance Insurance Marketplace – For members of Yoga Alliance (includes options with Alliant and others). Please note they might require an Intake Process that is against HIPPA rules.
Tips for yoga4cancer Certified Teachers:
When applying, make sure to:
- Specify that you work with cancer survivors
- Mention your yoga4cancer Certification and provide the certificate.
- Confirm that oncology or medical-specific yoga is covered (some policies exclude it by default)