I needed insurance. I looked at the Yoga Alliance (Alliant) member benefit and Insurance Canopy. The prices were similar. I dug into the fine print to see the difference.
Key Takeaways
- Group vs. Individual: Some Association policies are “Group” policies where limits might be shared (though YA is usually individual limits now). Canopy is an individual policy.
- Tailored Coverage: Canopy is a broker product built for the market. YA is a benefit of membership.
- Cyber: Canopy often includes better add-ons like Cyber.
- Membership Fees: To get YA insurance, you must pay YA dues ($100+) plus the insurance cost. Canopy is just the insurance cost.
The “Why”: The “Member” Requirement
The Trap:
If you let your Yoga Alliance membership lapse, you might lose access to the insurance renewal.
Independent brokers (Canopy, beYogi) don’t require you to join an association.
The Investigation: I Compared 2026 Policies
1. Yoga Alliance (Alliant)
- Pros: Trusted name. Good standard limits (
1M/1M/3M). - Cons: Must be a YA member. Customer service can be bureaucratic.
2. Insurance Canopy
- Pros: Fast, digital, independent. Great dashboard. Monthly payment options.
- Cons: No “community” perks.
3. beYogi
- Pros: often broader (includes massage/Reiki).
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than the rock-bottom options.
[IMAGE: Venn Diagram comparing Perks vs Coverage]
Comparison Table: Agency Showdown
| Feature | Yoga Alliance | Insurance Canopy | beYogi |
| Requires Membership? | Yes | No | No |
| Cost | | $ | |
| Modality List | Standard | Standard | Broad |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Calculate Total Cost: (Insurance + Membership Fees).
- Check Modalities: If you do Reiki/Acro, beYogi is usually better.
- Check Limits: Ensure $1M per occurrence / $3M aggregate.
- Buy: Choose the one that fits your budget and modality mix.
FAQ
Is YA insurance good?
Yes, it is solid coverage.
Do I need YA to teach?
No. Most studios just need insurance and a certificate (RYT is education, not law).
Can I switch mid-year?
Yes, you can get a pro-rated refund sometimes, or just let the old one expire.