Athlete Health Insurance
With the cost of health insurance increasing every year, you as an athlete may be tempted to opt out of purchasing health insurance. After all, who could be healthier than you are? You eat right, exercise regularly, keep your weight down…wouldn’t those dollars spent on health insurance premiums be better used elsewhere?
Not necessarily.
Ouch!
While staying in shape is a great recipe for a long, healthy life, athletes are also likely to face injuries that require medical evaluation and attention. In fact, more than two million adults suffer injuries related to sports every year. Common complaints include back and knee pain, tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, fractures, and even head injuries.
The Most Extreme?
Athletes who engage in extreme sports also run the risk of extreme injuries, of course. Common injuries in nontraditional sports include broken bones, cuts, severe bruises, and head trauma. Some studies suggest that up to 90% of boxers experience some form of brain injury.
But even adults who engage in relatively sedate activities such as jogging or aerobics may face sprains and strains that require prompt and thorough medical attention.
Self Care
People who don’t have health insurance are understandably reluctant to seek prompt medical care. It’s cost prohibitive.
But as an athlete, you ask a lot from your body and it’s important to take care of yourself by getting injuries treated as soon as possible.
In addition to basic medical care, there may also be times when your doctor refers you to a physical therapist to get you back into peak condition. If you don’t have insurance, you may have a difficult time paying for this crucial follow up care.
As an athlete, it’s up to you to keep your body in the best condition possible. One of the best ways to do that is with a comprehensive health insurance policy that allows you to visit your doctor regularly.