My client has just become a professional footballer. Would a standard PMI plan cover his needs or would a specialist plan be more appropriate?
It is likely that many PMI providers would place some restrictions on professional sports people in one way or another, as there are high risks involved.
Your client should carefully check the details of any policy offered as some insurers may accept his application for cover, but will exclude benefit for any treatment received on the field of play or for sporting injuries.
There is enormous potential for a high frequency of claims due to the expectations on professional sports people to maintain such an extreme level of fitness. This could lead to regular, costly outpatient requirements for treatments and procedures such as physiotherapy and MRI scans. This would be considered very high use of a PMI product and, unfortunately, because of the risk, your client must expect to pay high premiums.
You would need to do some research to find the right plan. A standard plan should provide cover, but I would suggest that it would have to be very comprehensive, with no limits on outpatient treatment for treatments like physiotherapy and diagnostic procedures such as MRI scans.
Also consider a plan which might cover treatment for any ongoing injuries such as knee problems, ligament strains and back problems which are likely to occur, as well as medical cover should he travel to work overseas.
