Standard life insurance, while being a great thing to invest in, doesn’t provide sportspeople with the type of cover they need, particularly those participating in sports deemed high risk, or hazardous, such as rugby.
With different needs to the average person, anyone playing rugby either professionally or at amateur level, is exposed to a number of injuries and muscular concerns, some of which can be incredibly debilitating, and even life-changing due to the games’ high levels of contact. Rugby insurance, however, gives players the peace of mind that in the event of them suffering an injury, their needs (and those of their families should they not be able to provide for their family or care for them) will be met.
What makes rugby insurance different?
Provided a rugby player has no other, existing medical issues, life insurance is often offered at standard rates as per individual providers. For those players who have pre-existing medical conditions or a family history of certain medical problems, then rates may be higher according to the nature of the condition, and risk associated with it.
Some standard life insurers may refuse to provide cover for rugby players, especially if certain criteria cannot be met.
Critical illness cover for rugby players
This type of policy may offer cover to rugby players for brain or spinal injuries, or fractures, and although rugby is a high contact sport, insurers often provide cover at standard insurance rates, as the sport isn’t necessarily exposing players to a greater risk of serious or critical illness.
Income protection for rugby players
The risk of being injured while playing or training, is much higher among rugby players than for any other sport, and if a player is unable to work and provide for themselves and/or their family, an insurance policy with income protection can prove to be a lifesaver.
For amateur rugby players (or players of any other sport at amateur level), most insurance providers offer income protection at a standard rate, but it may be worth shopping around and doing some research to find the right insurer for your needs and budget.
When assessing a rugby players application for income protection cover, insurers will consider the following factors:
- Amateur level
- Professional or semi-professional
- BMI or Body Mass Index
- Existing medical conditions
- Time off work
Should you invest in rugby insurance cover?
Even if you only play rugby as a bit of fun at the weekends and don’t take part in any tournaments, you’re still exposing yourself to exactly the same risks as someone playing at professional level, due to the high-risk nature of the sport. With contact levels always high within the sport, the risk of injury is ever present, making the need for sports injury insurance, vital.
To find a policy that offers you the right level of insurance for income protection, critical illness, and life cover as a rugby player, find an insurance provider with plenty of experience of dealing with sportspeople and their claims, and who can offer you competitive rates and comprehensive cover.
