Leisure insurance is something that far too many people overlook. Physical activity of any kind is good for your health. It reduces the risk of obesity and promotes strong heart contraction. However, practicing sports can be dangerous and sometimes cause accidents. Gentle sports such as walking, cycling, or water aerobics can also be dangerous if you are not sufficiently warmed up or if they are not practiced in the right conditions. Indeed, some activities such as skydiving, mountaineering, or scuba diving are not without risk.
In short, any sport can carry risks. That’s why leisure time insurance exists. How does it work? Is it mandatory? What type of insurance should I take out for what sport? So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things that you ought to know about leisure insurance.
Sport: why get insurance?
Unfortunately, the practice of sports activity is not without risk. And the damage suffered or caused to a third party can sometimes have serious consequences, especially from a financial point of view. By taking out sports and leisure insurance, you can be sure of being reimbursed if a problem arises (illness, accident, etc.). If you practice a sport in a club or federation, you usually have a sports license.
And if the latter’s civil liability (RC) takes care of the damage you could cause to a third party, it can be important to complete it by personal insurance if you were to hurt yourself. If you are not a member of a club, it is even more important to be covered, at least by civil liability insurance, if you hurt someone else.
What do I need to know about leisure insurance?
The gym, the seaside, the school, or even at home are all places that are favorable for the practice of a sport. Children, adults, and senior citizens must do sports for at least thirty minutes a day. This helps to limit the risk of disease (hypertension, cardiovascular disorders…) and to stay in shape.
The important thing is to do it according to your physical capacity. Moreover, for adults, it is often difficult to find free time to go to a gym or to practice as a team. It is enough to invest in the purchase of some equipment so that you can train quietly at home.
Some activities, such as walking, swimming, or jogging, do not require specific equipment. In any case, whether you practice at home or in a community, it is safer to purchase recreational insurance to protect you in case of accidents. This type of insurance will cover the cost of medical care if you are injured during the session.
Recreational insurance can also be used when you go on vacation injured while hiking, diving, or playing volleyball on the beach. If the injury results in a temporary or permanent disability, you will receive compensation according to the terms of the policy. This insurance also covers your sports equipment and materials in case of damage or theft.
Is leisure insurance mandatory?
Taking out leisure insurance is not mandatory, but it is essential. If you are one of those people who love to play sports in your free time, you will have peace of mind if you are insured. Indeed, no one is safe from an accident. You can slip and sprain your ankle just by walking.
During a basketball game, you can also get hurt from a scramble or by hitting the ball in the face. If you practice at a gym, these establishments usually already carry liability insurance for each member. This means that you will be covered if you are injured. However, the insurance will not cover you if you injure another member.
In this type of situation, your leisure insurance with civil liability must intervene. Not all sports are covered by recreational insurance. High-risk activities such as skydiving, rock climbing, and mountaineering are not covered. Nor are sports that are a source of income. Generally speaking, comprehensive home insurance can sometimes cover sports-related incidents. Therefore, check with your insurance company to find the most appropriate coverage.
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