What's the purpose of this item?
We're going to try to explain the scope of Killarney RFC's player insurance cover through the IRFU and what players (of all ages) need to do
Who is covered?
We pay an annual premium to the IRFU for each adult team that we run. Minis and Youths (under 21) are automatically covered - both boys and girls are covered in that definition.
The full policy details are here. [You will find a link to a PDF file can that be downloaded]
What's covered?
Brief details of the cover are here. Benefits are only payable following a severe accident:
- (a) Death - €500,000
- (b) Loss of 2 Limbs and/or the loss of both eyes or 1 limb and 1 eye - €500,000
- (c) Loss of 1 limb or the loss of 1 eye - €250,000
- (d) Permanent Total Disablement - €650,000
- (e) Severe injury involving loss of use of two legs and two arms - Additional €850,000
The maximum payable would be €1.5m [(d) plus (e)].
There are restrictions/exclusions that you need to be aware of. These are detailed in the policy document.
But one example would be death from heart failure - this is not covered unless it can be shown that it was directly rugby-related.
What's the IRFU's advice?
Adequacy of Cover
- The benefit provided by this compulsory scheme is substantially greater than that provided by other Unions or by other sports bodies. Whilst the Union and the Clubs can arrange substantial insurance benefit within their financial means, it still ultimately remains the individual player’s responsibility to ensure that he/she has adequate insurance cover.
- It is emphasised that this compulsory scheme does not provide payment of medical expenses or loss of earnings, nor does it cover fatal collapse unless a physical accident precedes same whilst in training or on the match pitch.
- This compulsory scheme is intended to cover serious injury only and, whilst the “Catastrophic injury” benefit at €1,500,000, may appear substantial, it will not necessarily be sufficient to cover the future needs of a severely injured young player.
- Separate optional additional covers are available for all of these benefits via Schemes organised by the Union’s Insurance Broker, Aon. The Union strongly recommends that Clubs and individual players avail of these.
For full details visit the IRFU website page on Insurance.
What do Killarney RFC recommend?
Adult Players
Essentially, all our players are advised to have your own personal insurance (minis and youths still at school are usually covered by their school's insurance policies - schools ought to have one in place*).
The IRFU policy is essentially covering major and severe events. It will not cover medical expenses or loss of earnings due to a broken limb or injury incurred during a game. It's not designed to cover the costs of GP visits, physiotherapy, or other treatments that might be necessary to treat an injury incurred playing.
For those without cover with VHI or Laya (or similar), the IRFU has put in place a scheme that individuals can join. Application form is found at https://www.irishrugby.ie/running-your-club/insurance/#0
This link http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/health_system/private_health_insurance.html gives details of private health insurers in the Irish market. In addition, many insurers offer personal accident insurance.
Minis and Youths
For parents of minis and youths, your children's school will already have in place a policy similar to these:
- https://www.allianz.ie/pupil-personal-accident/cover-info/secondary-schools/
- https://www.allianz.ie/pupil-personal-accident/cover-info/primary-schools/
Check with your school whether they have the 24-hour option which covers out-of-school activities as well - most do but check.
Note: You can also find this information at https://www.krfc.club/membership/player-insurance/
Links
Updated 2021-10-22 14.30
