Ice Hockey – Player Insurance
Most health insurance providers have a difficult time when it comes to athletes’ health insurance. On one hand, they possess good qualities that health insurance companies look for, such as having good health, having an active lifestyle, exercising regularly, and maintaining a well-balanced diet. On the other hand, they are also individuals who are prone to accidents and injuries more than anyone else. The strenuous trainings they undergo and the sports they play make them at risk.
According to statistics, more than 2 million athletes suffer from injuries that ranges from minor to major, depending on how extreme the sports they participate on. Some of the most common injuries are knee pain, bone fractures and concussion.
In countries such as USA, athletes are provided support by government agencies such as the United States Olympic Committee and Elite Athlete Health Insurance Program. They offer health programs and major medical insurance to elite athletes to minimize the out-of-pocket medical care expenses. The ‘elite athletes’ are chosen by the USOS based on several criteria. The slots, however, are distributed by the National Governing Body.
In Canada, they encourage all their athletes, especially those who will train and compete abroad, to avail a good health insurance plan that will provide a cover for their athletic needs. They acknowledge the nature of an athlete’s lifestyle and the risks to injury every time they compete or train.
In Sweden, all residents are covered by the national health insurance. The government is in full support of the health care and social welfare of the public sector. In fact, the health care is run by country councils to ensure the best social welfare services possible.
In Australia, one of the major supporters of giving athletes proper health insurance is Athletics Australia. They have a recommended insurance policy where nominated athletes are covered with insurance whenever they travel abroad to compete or train. All their members are automatically covered with travel insurance, but if you are not, you can register, provided that you have good standing and that you achieve all the criteria they have set.
There are also private health insurance companies that you may want to check out to inquire for their health insurance coverage for athletes. If you are in the USA, you may want to contact Unitedhealth Group or Kaiser Foundation Group. If you are from Canada, you can check Sun Life Financial or Blue Cross. If you are from Australia, you may want to check out nib or Medibank. They provide good health insurance packages that might suit your needs.