Expanding Your Business With NEXO’s Affinity Program: A Guide for Brokers and Associations

The insurance landscape is evolving quickly, particularly for businesses in specialized industries like fitness, wellness, and sports. These professionals face increasingly higher expectations for tailored coverage. 

And as a result, the demand for specialized insurance solutions has never been greater.

At the same time, brokers and associations are rethinking traditional group plans. One-size-fits-all insurance products often aren’t enough to accommodate operational and ten compliance challenges faced by niche industries. 

Businesses in 2026 need coverage that accurately reflects how they operate daily versus more generic policies designed for mass markets.

This shift has accelerated interest in so-called affinity programs. These well-designed insurance programs help create real value for members while offering brokers and associations a sustainable, long-term revenue model. 

Compared to a simple referral source, partners become part of an integrated insurance solution that strengthens relationships and deepens trust.

NEXO’s Affinity Program uses a modern partnership model built for this new reality, balancing customization, scalability, and operational simplicity. Here’s what you need to know: 

What Is an Affinity Insurance Program?

An affinity insurance program is a group-based insurance offering tied to a shared membership, profession, or affiliation. Coverage is designed specifically for the risks and needs of that group, rather than adapted from a generic policy.

Unlike standard group plans, affinity programs are intentionally aligned with the identity, operations, and risk profile of the organization’s members. Here are the major differences:

Brand alignment: Programs may be co-branded or white-labeled, reinforcing the partner’s credibility and value proposition.

Customized coverage: Policies are structured around real-world industry risks, in lieu of generalized assumptions.

Long-term partnerships: The relationship is ongoing, with shared goals around growth, retention, and risk management, rather than transactional referrals.

Affinity programs are increasingly popular across fitness, wellness, and professional industries because they solve multiple challenges at once. Members gain access to relevant, affordable coverage. Associations strengthen engagement without increasing administrative burden. Brokers access niche markets without the cost of developing proprietary products.

Also Read: What Is NEXO’s Affinity Program? A New Revenue Stream for Associations and Franchisors

Who Benefits Most From NEXO’s Affinity Program?

Insurance Brokers

For brokers, NEXO’s Affinity Program provides direct access to niche markets without the need to build products from scratch. Instead of competing on price alone, brokers can offer value-added solutions tailored to specific industries.

This approach also supports stronger client retention. When insurance becomes part of a broader ecosystem of member benefits, switching providers becomes far less likely.

Associations, Suppliers, and Networks

Associations and industry networks benefit by offering meaningful insurance solutions without taking on operational responsibility. NEXO manages underwriting, enrollment, and ongoing service, allowing organizations to focus on their core mission.

Affinity programs also unlock non-dues revenue opportunities, helping associations diversify income while delivering tangible value to members.

End Members

Members receive coverage designed specifically for their industry risks, whether that includes professional liability, general liability, property exposure, or participant injury concerns. Competitive pricing, simplified onboarding, and clear communication make insurance easier to understand and access.

How NEXO’s Affinity Program Works

Program Structure

NEXO offers both co-branded and white-label program structures, allowing partners to choose the level of visibility and integration that best fits their organization. Each program is supported by dedicated underwriting aligned with the partner’s industry, ensuring coverage remains relevant as risks evolve.

Coverage Focus

NEXO specializes in fitness, sports, wellness, and specialty risk categories, including:

• General liability
• Professional liability
• Property coverage
• Workers’ compensation
• Additional specialty coverages based on industry needs

This focused approach allows for deeper risk insight and more accurate policy design.

Seamless Onboarding and Enrollment

The program is built for efficiency. Digital applications and streamlined underwriting reduce friction during enrollment, while ongoing account management ensures partners and members receive consistent support throughout the policy lifecycle.

Also Read: A Guide to Liability Insurance for Gym Owners

What Sets NEXO’s Affinity Program Apart?

• Industry-Specific Expertise

NEXO brings deep experience across fitness, martial arts, functional training, and specialty wellness sectors. This expertise translates into coverage that reflects how these businesses actually operate, not how traditional insurers assume they do.

• Risk-First Approach

Rather than viewing insurance purely as a financial transaction, NEXO emphasizes safety, compliance, and long-term loss prevention. This proactive stance helps reduce claims frequency while supporting sustainable program growth.

• Scalability

Programs are designed to grow alongside partner organizations. Whether expanding geographically, adding new member segments, or adapting to regulatory changes, NEXO’s affinity programs remain flexible.

• Dedicated Support

Partners have access to dedicated success teams, claims guidance, and risk management resources. This hands-on support helps protect both the partner’s reputation and the member experience.

Revenue Opportunities for Brokers and Associations

Commission and Revenue-Sharing Models

NEXO offers transparent compensation structures designed to align incentives across all parties. Brokers and associations benefit from predictable, recurring income rather than one-time referral fees.

Long-Term Value Over Short-Term Transactions

Because affinity programs are built around renewals and ongoing engagement, they generate recurring revenue that compounds over time.

Strengthening Partner Credibility

Offering insurance solutions that address real operational challenges positions brokers and associations as trusted advisors, not just intermediaries.

Use Cases: Where the Affinity Program Fits Best

NEXO’s Affinity Program is a particularly good fit for the following niches:

• Fitness equipment suppliers

• Certification bodies and coaching organizations

• Franchise networks

• Event organizers and competition leagues

• Industry associations and trade groups

In each case, insurance becomes an integrated part of the ecosystem rather than a disconnected add-on.

Compliance, Oversight, and Risk Management

Affinity programs require careful attention to regulatory and compliance considerations. NEXO ensures programs are structured to meet applicable regulations while maintaining transparency with members.

This oversight protects the reputation of brokers and associations, ensuring that insurance offerings enhance trust rather than create liability exposure.

How to Get Started With NEXO’s Affinity Program

The process begins with an initial discovery and fit assessment to ensure alignment between NEXO and the partner organization. From there, programs are customized and branded, followed by launch planning and member communication.

Ongoing optimization and reporting ensure the program continues to deliver value as member needs evolve.

Common Questions Brokers and Associations Ask

Organizations often ask how much involvement is required, whether programs can be customized by region or specialty, how claims are handled, what support NEXO provides, and how quickly a program can launch. NEXO’s model is designed to minimize partner workload while maintaining flexibility and responsiveness.

A Smarter Way to Grow Through Partnership

Affinity programs are the future of niche insurance distribution. They allow brokers and associations to expand influence, generate sustainable revenue, and deliver meaningful protection, without adding complexity.

NEXO’s Affinity Program provides the structure, expertise, and support needed to turn insurance into a strategic advantage. The result is a partnership model that delivers protection, value, and long-term growth for everyone involved.

To learn more about how to expand your gym business with NEXO’s Affinity programs, contact us today!