Private Health Insurance For Athletes & Sports Injuries

Athletes engage in rigorous physical activities that come with a heightened risk of injury. As such, understanding the nuances of sports health insurance is paramount for anyone involved in sports. Some health insurers offer policies well suited to sports risks or sports travel insurance in Australia.

It’s possible to find the right health insurance for your active lifestyle, whether you’re a professional athlete heading to interstate games, or an amateur keeping fit on your  neighbourhood team.

Why do athletes need sports insurance?

The Australian institute of Health & Welfare report (last updated in July 2024) recorded 56,000 hospital admissions due to sports injuries in 2021/22. Athletic participation often results in both acute and chronic injuries. Common sports injuries requiring immediate medical attention include:

• Fracture: A partial or complete break in a bone.

• Soft-tissue Injury: Damage involving the sprain or strain of muscles, ligaments, or joints.

• Open Wound: A break in the skin such as a cut, puncture, or bite.

• Intracranial Injury: Damage occurring within the skull, often resulting in a concussion.

• Dislocation: The displacement of bones from their normal position at a joint.

• Superficial Injury: Damage affecting the surface of the skin, such as abrasions, bruising, or blisters.

Fractures accounted for over half of all sports-related injury admissions in 2021/22. Given that athletes are more prone to injuries than the general population, having robust health insurance cover is essential.

Isn’t Medicare enough for athletic injuries?

While Medicare will usually cover you in an emergency injury situation, it’s important to note that as many as 33% of sports-related injuries are classified as non-emergency. Surgeries and treatments for sports injuries often fall under the category of elective (non-emergency) procedures, resulting in extended wait times in the public hospital system - sometimes over several months. 

Athletes may find themselves in a precarious position, facing both injury and long wait times for treatment, even for concussions, which often have long-term effects on your brain that may not be obvious immediately.

Concussion doesn’t just occur in contact sports.  In 2021-22, almost 2,300 hospitalisations from concussions related to sports were recorded. Of these, 

• Around 1,600 were in men, 700 were in women

• About 760 occurred while playing football

• Around 425 occurred while cycling

For athletes, relying solely on Medicare could mean delayed treatment and recovery times. Considering private health insurance could help you get the care you need, when you need

Can private health cover protect you when you play sport?

Appropriate private health insurance can bridge the gaps in Medicare, ensuring that you’ll receive timely health care while you play sports. When evaluating your health insurance options, it’s worth considering the following:

• Type of sport: different sports carry varying risks. Contact sports like rugby and football typically have higher injury rates compared to non-contact sports like swimming.

• Frequency of participation: more frequent participation increases your exposure to potential injuries. Assess how often you train or compete to gauge your coverage needs.

• Travel for sport: if you travel to compete, you may encounter unexpected medical issues. Many international locations do not fall under Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCAs).

• Past injuries: previous injuries can influence your current and future health needs. When you’re comparing health cover options, think carefully about your medical history to ensure you receive adequate cover.

Some insurers even offer specialised policies for sports, such as Personal Accident Cover, which can provide financial support if you're unable to work due to injury. Below is a quick comparison of options:

Note: Medicare and private hospital cover don’t include out-of-hospital services like physiotherapy, remedial massage, podiatry, or dietetics. If you need help covering the cost of these services, extras cover is worth considering.

Conclusion

For athletes, having the right health insurance isn’t just about precaution—it’s a key part of your training and preparation. With the physical risks that come with sports, it's essential to compare your insurance options to find the best fit for you. The right cover will help you focus on your performance, knowing you're protected if the unexpected happens.

Sources

https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/employers/take-out-a-policy/sports-insurance

https://www.qbe.com/au/business-insurance/accident-health/qbe-sports-injury

https://www.flipinsurance.com.au/activities/sports

https://www.gowgates.com.au/sport-programs/athletics

Chris Stanley is the sales & operations manager of health insurance at Compare Club. With extensive experience and expertise, Chris is a trusted leader known for his deep understanding of health insurance markets, policies, and coverage options. As the sales & operations manager of health insurance, Chris leads a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping individuals and families make informed decisions about their health insurance needs.

Meet our health insurance expert, Chris Stanley

Chris's top health insurance tips

• 1

  Australia’s public health system is world-class, but wait times for public hospitals can be long, inconvenient - and leave you living in constant pain while you wait.

• 2

  An appropriate private health insurance policy can speed up your surgery, relieving your pain sooner.

• 3

  Family health cover means your children are covered under the same policy as you.

• 4

  Many health insurance policies come with a 12-month waiting period for pregnancy-related cover, so it’s a good idea to get a family policy organized well before starting your family. This means your child will be covered from birth until at least their early twenties (depending on which health fund you select).