Does My Child Need Sports Insurance?
School-aged children who participate in sports can benefit from having sports insurance. This type of coverage helps manage the risk of medical expenses in the event of an injury, which is especially important in high-impact or contact sports.
Some schools and sports leagues may require sports insurance as a condition for participation, while others might offer it as an optional add-on. Sports insurance can also provide liability coverage, protecting families from legal costs if their child accidentally injures someone else during a game or practice.
Parents should check with their child’s school or sports league to understand the specific insurance requirements and coverage options available.
Types of sports insurance:
• Accident insurance: If your child is playing contact sports, the risk of injury increases. Accidents can occur due to missteps or other factors. Accident medical insurance covers medical bills, dental coverage, and the replacement of eyeglasses or contact lenses.
• Sports injury insurance: Injuries from sports can include falls, trips, or getting hit with a ball, which might result in head injuries, concussions, or broken bones. This plan covers the full spectrum of medical care, including surgery, required for sports-related injuries.
• Student travel insurance: Sports tournaments offer kids a chance to hone their skills and advance their sports careers. When traveling for these events, though, medical emergencies or travel disruptions can occur. This coverage helps manage unexpected travel and medical expenses while out of the province or country.
• Sports equipment protection plans: Many sports require additional equipment, such as gear, apparel, and protective items like helmets and goggles. This plan offers protection against damage or loss of equipment due to accidents, including replacement cost coverage and protection against theft or vandalism.
In Canada, 35% of injuries occur during sports or exercise, with two-thirds (66%) of injuries among young people aged 12 to 19 being sports-related.
Parents, sports teams, and sports authorities can purchase a sports insurance policy to safeguard against potential financial losses arising from sports activities. Sports insurance provides financial coverage for medical expenses, accidental damage, and liability claims incurred during sports events.
Talk to our Western Financial Insurance experts to get the sports insurance coverage you need.
