Sports insurance

Explore sports insurance solutions to protect against injuries, liability, and property risks. See trends, FAQs, and coverage options for sports organisations

What is sports insurance? 

Sports insurance is designed to protect individuals and organisations involved in sports against risks such as injuries, property damage, and liability claims.  

Australia's sports sector contributes over $14 billion annually to the economy, supporting millions of participants through organised events, clubs, and facilities nationwide. This coverage guarantees financial security for stakeholders, from amateur players to professional athletes.  

Unique to Australia, sports insurance also addresses risks tied to the country’s passion for outdoor activities and its reliance on volunteer-run clubs. These policies offer tailored protection against incidents like heat-related injuries during cricket matches or damage to equipment in community sports leagues. 

Sports insurance industry trends and emerging risks 

Australian sports insurance faces growing challenges from rising cyberattacks like phishing and ransomware, often using artificial intelligence. Volunteer-run clubs are especially at risk due to weak cybersecurity. These vulnerabilities, alongside new trends, highlight more critical areas requiring broker attention: 

Another notable issue is that 30% of young Australians consider quitting sports due to challenges such as financial pressures, according to Allianz. Brokers should create comprehensive sports insurance packages to meet these issues and ensure affordable and accessible coverage to support youth participation. 

Sports insurance FAQs 

Who typically needs sports insurance coverage? 

This insurance is essential for: 

  • athletes  
  • coaches 
  • referees 
  • organisations involved in sports 

Both amateur and professional participants benefit from this protection. 

Does income protection cover sports? 

Income protection may cover sports-related injuries, but exclusions often apply to high-risk or professional activities. Policyholders should review terms carefully to understand their coverage. 

Who is SportsCover underwritten by? 

SportsCover is underwritten by Lloyd's, a globally renowned insurance provider offering first-class security and personalised solutions for the sports and leisure industries. 

What are common sports insurance coverage options? 

Sports insurance includes various coverage options customised to the unique needs of athletes and sports organisations. For example, a local soccer club might secure public liability insurance to cover injuries or property damage during matches. Beyond this, other coverage options include: 

  • personal accident insurance: covers costs for injuries, including medical bills, lost income, or permanent disability 

  • equipment insurance: insures valuable gear such as football kits, cricket bats, or specialised equipment like skis or scuba gear 

  • event cancellation insurance: protects financial investments if an event is cancelled due to weather or other unexpected issues 

These options give sports clubs, teams, and players the right protection to stay financially secure and keep things running smoothly. 

Does travel insurance cover sports equipment? 

Most travel insurance policies offer limited coverage for sports equipment. For expensive or professional gear, separate insurance may be needed for full protection. 

What does insurance mean in sport? 

Insurance in sports ensures protection against potential and financially devastating risks that can disrupt operations and impact the stability of organisations and participants. 

How does sports insurance help protect clients? 

Sports insurance helps clients manage risks like injuries, legal claims, and equipment damage. For example, public liability insurance safeguards sports clubs from financial losses due to third-party injuries. Without coverage, clubs and participants could face substantial costs, threatening their operations. 

Are high-risk sports covered by standard policies? 

Standard insurance policies often exclude high-risk sports like skydiving, scuba diving, or motor racing due to their increased likelihood of accidents. Specialised policies or additional coverage are usually required to insure these activities. Clients should carefully review exclusions in their policies to understand coverage limitations. 

What is the role of brokers in sports insurance? 

Brokers play an important role in helping sports organisations and individuals find insurance that suits their needs. They evaluate requirements and match clients with the right policies, securing proper protection. Their knowledge helps clients make informed choices when it comes to insurance coverage.  

Brokers assist with sports insurance claims, helping to resolve them quickly and with minimal disruption. They act as advocates for their clients by negotiating with insurers to secure fair outcomes. This support makes sure that clients can recover smoothly from unexpected events. 

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