I started a “Nude Yoga for Men” class. A student claimed he contracted a skin infection from the mat, and another claimed he felt “sexually harassed” by the environment. My standard yoga insurance cancelled me immediately upon seeing the website.
Key Takeaways
- Moral Hazard: Insurers are conservative. Nudity is often flagged as “Adult Entertainment” or high moral risk.
- Sexual Misconduct: The risk of allegations skyrockets. Standard policies will likely exclude this entirely.
- Sanitation: Direct skin-to-mat contact increases hygiene liability (MRSA/Ringworm).
- Surplus Lines: You likely need “Adult Industry” or “Specialty” insurance, not standard Yoga Alliance coverage.
The “Why”: The Sexual Abuse Exclusion
The Trap:
Standard policies exclude “Sexual Abuse and Molestation.”
In a nude environment, the line between “yoga” and “sexual activity” is blurry to an insurer.
If a claim arises, they will cite the “Adult Business” exclusion found in many BOPs.
The Investigation: I Quoted 3 Major Carriers
1. Standard Carriers (beYogi, PHLY)
- My Analysis: I checked the prohibited activities. “Adult content” or “Nude recreation” is often a decline. They will not insure this.
2. Xinsurance (Specialty)
- My Analysis: They write the “weird” stuff. They can write a policy for nude yoga, but it will cost 3x-5x more.
3. Lloyd’s of London
- My Analysis: They can cover it, but you need a broker.
[IMAGE: Warning sign: “Specialty Insurance Required”]
Comparison Table: Nude Yoga Coverage
| Carrier | Covers Nudity? | Cost |
| Standard Yoga | NO | N/A |
| Xinsurance | Yes | |
| Lloyd’s | Yes | |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Do Not Lie: If you hide the nudity, the policy is void for fraud.
- Find a Broker: Search for “Adult Industry Insurance Broker.”
- Strict Waivers: “I understand this is non-sexual.”
- No Touch Policy: Absolutely no adjustments. Verbal cues only.
FAQ
Is it illegal?
No, if private and 18+.
Do I need to cover the windows?
Yes, “Indecent Exposure” laws apply if visible from public.
Can I teach this at a normal studio?
Only if the studio owner allows it (unlikely due to their insurance).