Health Insurance for Athletes

When it comes to getting health insurance as an athlete, you may have noticed that insurance carriers have some complicated feelings when it comes to providing you with coverage. On one hand, your active lifestyle is a recipe for health. Compared to most, you probably excercise regularly, eat well, and get plenty of rest. Beneficial as this may be for your health in the long run, it's no safeguard against the most common injuries that happen to athletes. In fact, the strenuous training you do to improve your athletic performance can have the opposite effect if you overexert yourself, and the fine line between pushing your limits and "overdoing it" can mean the difference between winning the game and ending up in the hospital with a serious injury.

Get a free health plan quote. >>

What Are the Most Common Injuries for Athletes?

More than 2 million adults sustain sports-related injuries every year. The most common injuries include:

• Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Medial Epicondylitis (golfer's elbow)
• Rotator cuff injury
• Anterior knee pain
• Sciatica
• Bone fractures
• Concussion

The risk of these injuries varies by sport. But no form of exercise is entirely without risk; in fact, some of the riskiest sports are also some of the most leisurely. 85% of regular badminton players, for instance, reported having a sports-related injury in the last year.

Which Types of Athletes Are at Risk?

It's probably doesn't come as a surprise that rugby and lacrosse are the among the riskiest sports for athletes, with players averaging about one injury for every 33 hours of play according to The American Journal of Health Medicine. Basketball players are next, averaging one injury for every 71 hours on the court.

This study excludes the higher-risk "extreme" sports like boxing, but it can be safely assumed that for sports that fall under this category, the risks are even greater. In fact, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons estimates that around 90% of boxers sustain brain injury, and are more likely to develop Alzheimer's Disease, a devastating neurological condition. For thrill-seekers who engage in sports like boxing, motocross, and mountain biking, it is especially important to balance those risks with a health plan that will cover the injuries you sustain.

Get a free health insurance quote today. >>

Other Groups at Risk for Sports-Related Injuries

Did you know that one of the most common forms of exercise is also the most injury-prone? While many adults get their cardiovascular exercise by running or taking aerobic dance classes, 65% of those who regularly participate in either one report an injury annually. That works out to about one injury for every 100 hours.

By going to the gym, you're doing yourself and your health a great favor. But you should exercise caution, and have a comprehensive health plan to ensure that all the hours you've invested in your body's well-being aren't compromised if you ever have an accident. Prompt care for injuries is essential, and having health insurance for athletes is the best way to get the best quality attention when you need it, by practitioners who specialize in treating the injuries you're likely to "run" into.

How Can Health Insurance Help Me as an Athlete?

With the costs of America's healthcare expenses surging 65% since 2000, many families and individuals are finding that preventative care options are out-of-reach for their budgets. This is especially bad news for athletes without insurance, because the amount of strain you put on your body when you exercise regularly is substantial and should be monitored by a healthcare professional. Regular doctors visits are essential to the formula for good health, and supplement the attention you pay to your nutritional and fitness needs.

By signing up for a health care plan for athletes, you'll be able to track your body's overall fitness as it changes with your routine. You'll be able to optimize your training by consulting with a doctor or physical therapist who is experienced helping athletes meet their goals. And if you have an accident, you will have far more options for physical therapy. Having these resources available to you is an essential component of maintaining your health and preventing costly and potentially irreversable long-term injury.

Get a free health plan quote. >>