Does Health Insurance Cover Sports & Gym Injuries?

There’s a growing awareness among people about the importance of leading a healthy life. The recent pandemic showed us the fickleness of life. The worst affected were those with co-morbidities, low immunity, and who suffered from lifestyle diseases such as obesity. People understood the consequences of being unhealthy and unfit. They have also come to realize the value of having health insurance coverage. With rising medical costs, the financial burden on families has gone up a lot. The best health insurance plans cover a wide range of medical treatments as well as pre and post-hospitalization expenses. More people are turning to fitness through sports and regular exercising. This has also increased the chances of injuries related to sports and gym-related activities. Severe injuries could require immediate medical attention and hospitalization in some cases. Thus, it becomes imperative that your insurance covers sports and gym injuries.

What are the types of sports injuries?

Gone are the days when only professional athletes and sportspersons suffered sports injuries. Health and fitness are now being prioritized by many. They like to keep themselves active by cycling, working out at the gym, or by playing a sport. However, such activities could make you prone to injuries.

Let us take a look at some of the most common kinds of sports and gym-related injuries:

• Ligament tears
• Muscle sprains
• Muscle Pulls
• Dislocated joints and bones
• Abrasions
• Knee injuries
• Tendon injuries

Not only are these very painful, but they can also take a huge toll on your finances if not covered by health insurance.

Does Health Insurance Cover Sports & Gym Injuries?

Even the best insurance policies, in general, do not cover sports injuries. However, if you are into sports, fitness, and exertive physical activities, it makes sense to purchase an insurance policy that covers sports injuries. The premium for such a health insurance would depend on the kind of sports activities involved. The best health insurance policies covering sports and gym injuries have standardized definitions and clear exclusions. By paying the requisite health insurance premiums on time, you can easily claim coverage for many of these injuries.

What Sports Injuries are covered by Health Insurance?

Regular mishaps arising from common sporting and gym activities are given medical coverage by most sports-related health insurance providers. The thing to remember when buying health insurance covering sports injuries is that OPD or outpatient costs are not covered by most. These injuries are mostly minor and thus, cashless health insurance doesn’t cover ligament tears, physiotherapy, fractures, minor strains, etc. However, if the OPD costs are part of the recovery process post-hospitalization or hospitalization is advised, you can raise a claim under cashless health insurance for sports policy.

What Sports Injuries are Not Covered by Health Insurance?

Any hazardous, dangerous, and risky sports such as scuba diving, motor racing, or mountaineering are generally not covered by even the best health insurance plans. Also, in most cases, you will not be able to buy Health insurance covering the following:

• Adventure sports and thrill-seeking activities such as rock climbing, skydiving, go-karting, bungee jumping, etc.
• Sports involving the usage of weapons like hunting and archery.
• Boat-related activities involving a speed of 30+ knots.

Apart from that, there could be a clause for non-applicability of medical coverage rising due to unsafe use of fitness equipment. While searching for a policy, be sure to go through the exclusions list and also enquire if it provides cashless health insurance.

Additional Points to Remember while Buying a Sports Health Insurance

Here are some of the points you should consider before buying a health insurance:

• Sports injury claims are not eligible for policyholders under the age of 18.
• Sprains and other common everyday sports injuries are self-inflicted.
• Sports-related injuries abroad.
• Out-patient expenses (OPD).
• Sports injuries occur under the influence of drugs and other unlawful substances.
• Procedures are classified as "cosmetic treatments."

There are a few insurers that cover all sports-related injuries as well as include endurance sports, adventure sports, and hobby sports. However, the premium for such health insurance policies could be significantly higher than others

Conclusion

Apart from individual policies, many insurers offer Group Health Insurance Plans for sports and gym-related injuries. By buying a comprehensive health insurance policy, you can stay protected from various sports injuries and lead a healthy life.