PERSONAL ACCIDENT PROTECTION FOR YOUR MEMBERS

Personal Accident (player cover)
This type of cover is taken up by virtually every sporting club (football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, rugby etc) and is referred to as a player accident policy.

Martial arts surprisingly, from an outside perspective, doesn’t have as many injuries as the sports mentioned above and therefore only around 40% - 45% clubs take it up. This is mainly due to martial arts instructors not knowing the full benefits of this additional optional cover or as a business decision, they don’t want to pay the extra for it as they don't know the full benefits. Interestingly its appropriate to note that at one stage, you couldn't buy public liability insurance without personal injury cover for martial arts, it was mandatory as a condition of liability cover. Its only over recent years they have been separated, to make public liability more accessible to the smaller martial arts clubs.

Gyms and fitness studios hardly take it up at all and the ones that do are generally a hybrid gym and martial arts facility.  Gym owners should take another look at player accident cover, as the benefits make it a great asset. Take a look at  the three main benefits of adding player accident cover to your public liability policy below:

TOP THREE BENEFITS OF PERSONAL INJURY COVER

1. You can reduce the chance of a painful drawn-out liability claim being brought upon you and losing a member. By claiming on the PA policy, the member can quickly receive reimbursement of medical costs, loss of wages or permanent disability, without going through a legal process to prove negligence. You then increase member loyalty and create an advocate because you supported them when it counts.
 
2. There are three levels of cover that will expand the payout limits and inclusions to fit the benefit you want to provide, for your members.

3. The real winner is you can add income to your business by not only passing on the cost to your members, but adding a service fee to manage the process. Most businesses will charge a member between $25-$50 per year included in the gym’s membership. The cost per person to the business, is much lower than this, allowing operators to cover all their insurances with the extra revenue. For further details on how this can be even more profitable, talk to us today.

The personal accident cover allows injured members to make a claim for medical, loss of wages and total permanent injury, without having to take legal action against the gym, through their public liability policy. Offering a member with a strained muscle some free physio sessions is great PR and reduces the chance of a full public liability claim.

How does the personal accident policy work in the event a member injures themselves?

A member may strain a muscle lifting a weight or train too vigorously in a class and require rest, physio and massage for example. Some people will take that on board themselves and return after they have rested and had therapy at their own cost. This is an opportunity to offer them some support by way of ‘no cost’ chiropractor, masseur, naturopath, osteopath or physiotherapist treatments to the limit of the schedule.
 
For an injury that requires surgery it will take a longer time to recover, so they can also access ‘loss of wages’ and the following costs reimbursed:

• Private Hospital accommodation and theatre fees

• Emergency transportation

• Orthotics, splints and prosthesis used solely for treatment following an accident

• Expenses incurred in respect of a dentist 
* Lump sum payment for permanent disability

If you haven't considered Personal Injury Insurance speak to your broker today.
You can pass on the costs to your members and give them that extra peace of mind. Members gaining access to this support without having to sue the school / gym, means less interruptions to your business. Club owners have told us that their members are more likely to return to training and be very grateful to the gym

 Call us now 03 8201 9908