The number of daily sports-related injuries in the UK is thought to be around 50,000. Sports injuries are par for the course for most enthusiasts and come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it is a high tackle playing rugby, an ankle sprain from the tennis court, or damaged muscles from the marathon, there is always an urgency to get patched up and back on track with minimum delay or loss of training. That’s why investing in private health insurance and knowing whether it covers you for your sport of choice should be a priority.
If a sports injury is not treated as quickly as possible it could become weak, unstable, infected and lead to problems further down the line. This means less time on the field, and more time recuperating. If you have private health insurance, you could benefit from treatment by experienced physiotherapists. You can arrange treatment at a time and place to suit your needs, without the inconvenience of queues or waiting lists.
For some insurance claims, a GP referral will be necessary before a specialist can provide treatment. Assessment by a physiotherapist is followed by a rehabilitation programme before the patient can return to sport. Depending on the seriousness of the injury, there may also be a need for follow-up treatment.
Are you already covered?
Some private health insurance plans are specifically designed to cover you for
sports injuries. Alternatively, a standard health insurance policy may offer
sports injury cover as an optional extra with an extra cost attached. You should
closely inspect the wording of your policy to make sure that you are covered
whilst playing sports. If you are covered, you should also make sure you know
to what extent. For instance, are physiotherapy and follow-up sessions covered?
Some hazardous activities, sometimes termed ‘extreme sports,’ will need extra cover built into the policy or may even be uninsurable. Extreme sports that may not be covered in a standard health insurance policy include bungee jumping, skateboarding, hand-gliding, base jumping, sky diving, and motor-cross. Some travel insurance policies will also include exemptions for these sports unless special mention is made. Winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, may also need extra insurance that covers you abroad.
So before taking part in any sport abroad, check whether your private medical insurance or travel insurance covers you. But beware, some insurance policies may exclude you from cover if you are participating in a competition but will cover you if your sport is recreational. It is essential to inspect the wording of your policy before committing.
