New research has found that 72 percent of Irish people who regularly participate in sport have sustained an injury while playing, with 73 percent of those injured incurring a significant financial cost as a result.
AIG recently surveyed more than 1,300 players and sport participants across several sports from all over Ireland about their experiences with sports.
It found that most had experienced an injury, with 33 percent sustaining one in the last twelve months. The majority (63 percent) of these injuries occurred during match play, with strained muscle (53 percent), broken bones (34 percent) and ankle injuries (29 percent) among the most common problems.
Participants were asked about the financial toll of such injuries and the findings were stark, with 63 percent of those injured incurring over €200 in additional costs as a result of their most significant injury and 23 percent facing an eye-watering bill of more than €500.
Furthermore, the majority of respondents noted that they were forced to bear the brunt of the cost themselves as 72 percent said their clubs didn’t provide or support free physio or medical appointments.
Higher-level athletes were more likely to receive practical support from their clubs, while just 23 percent of junior players and 32 percent of intermediate players reported being aware of clubs supplying free physiotherapy or medical appointments.
“This research reinforces how common injuries in everyday sport can lead to financial consequences,” said John Clear, Head of Accident & Health at AIG.
“That’s why AIG is developing products that can be a great help to people who have been injured playing the sport they love.”
“AIG is deeply rooted in the communities where our customers and colleagues live, and we have a long association with sport and sports clubs all over the country. Our Injury Cash product helps ensure that people can continue to play sport in those communities and have some financial support and peace of mind in the event of a covered injury.”
The research also found that it’s not just finances that take a hit. 53 percent admitted that an injury had affected their work or education in terms of performance or attendance, while 72 percent said their most significant injury had kept them out of sport for four weeks or more.
While the injury risks associated with playing both high-level and recreational sports are well-known, the research shows that just 34 percent of those surveyed had personal accident protection insurance in place, even though personal accident insurance can guarantee much-needed support and financial assistance when most vital.
To help provide a solution to the financial consequences from relatively minor to more serious injuries, AIG Insurance has developed a new Injury Cash product. It offers cover for injuries resulting from accidents while exercising, playing sport or just out and about.
Under the plan, cash is paid directly to the injured person and can be used to cover whatever the injured person needs – whether that’s time off work, taxi journeys or even a holiday.
