Sports Insurance

Sportspersons, sports team and sports authorities can buy a sports insurance policy to shield themselves against possible financial losses arising from a sporting event. Sport insurance offers financial cover against medical expenses, accidental damage and liability claims incurred during a sports activity.

Sports Insurance: Classification

Sports insurance is classified according to the age of or category that the policyholder falls under. On the basis of age factor sports insurance are classified as:

Insurance for children and students below 19 years

Insurance for professional sportsperson/team

Insurance for amateur sports teams

Insurance for junior school sports team

Insurance for senior school sports team



Based on category, sports insurance can be classified as:

Adventure sports policy


Dangerous sports policy

Extreme sports policy

Soccer insurance

Winter sports insurance

Sports Insurance: Types

The most common forms of sports insurance are:



Accident insurance: This is an accident-cum-medical insurance that pays for medical expenses on behalf of the injured sportsperson. The availability of the best possible medical treatment reduces the threat of lawsuits against sports authorities by the injured player.

General liability insurance: This policy pays for bodily injury to any spectator or player due to the negligence of the sports authorities. The policy pays for the legal cost of defending the indemnity action.

Authority’s liability insurance: This insurance covers liabilities that are not covered under general liability insurance, such as financial losses. Liability claims under the purview of suppression of rights are also covered under this policy. Such claims may arise when a player disputes termination or suspension by the authority. Sports authorities can also buy additional policies, such as general property, commercial insurance or workers’ compensation for broader insurance needs.

Sports equipment protection plans: Costly sports accessories of individual players or of the entire team are insured under the equipment protection plan. It pays for the loss of or damage to equipment during a sports activity or in the event of a theft or accident.

Sports travel insurance plan: Individuals or sports teams can buy domestic or international travel insurance to cover possible financial losses during a sports trip. This includes flight delay, baggage loss, ticket cancellation, accidental injuries or medical expenses.



Several insurance companies offer sports insurance taking into consideration the specific insurance needs of a particular sports category as well.