RFU Insurance

 

Who needs insurance and why?

Rugby is a physical contact sport and as such brings the risk, albeit very slight, of very serious injury. Over the past few years there have been, on average, three very serious injuries per year resulting in maximum benefits being paid out. It is compulsory for all teams of all member clubs to have adequate insurance, in this case the RFU's Accidental Death and Permanent Total Disability (ADPTD) policy.

 

What is the basic cover and what are its limitations?

This is a Death and Permanent Total Disability policy and the benefits are for catastrophic injury only. For this reason the RFU has asked insurers to make available additional insurances. Marsh has introduced options for amateur players to cover their earnings and provide benefits against other costs such as dental treatment and physiotherapy.

 

When does cover apply?

Cover applies from receipt of the premium and application form at Marsh. Formal acknowledgement from Marsh should reach the club within 30 days. Cover is automatically extended until the 30th September for clubs who were insured last season.

 

Are there any geographical limitations to cover?

No. If on a tour (maximum 31 days) players are covered whilst playing matches and training. Clubs are required to effect additional tour insurance providing 24 hour cover for non-playing personal accident, personal effects, medical expenses and cancellation.

 

Are we covered all year round?

No. The cover on the ADPTD scheme runs on a seasonal basis, between the 1st August and the end of the playing season. This date will be advised to you by the RFU.

 

Are we covered for pre-season training?

Insurers have agreed that all "in house" coaching, training, recruitment or open days are covered. Full inter club competitive matches played out of season are not.

 

What if we need cover outside the season dates?

Cover will apply for games or tournaments outside season dates, provided that the club obtains permission from the Community Rugby and Operations Department at the RFU.

 

We have a one-off fixture for a team not included in the annual cover. How do we arrange insurance?

The benefits can be obtained for either a single XV-a-side game or a 7-a-side tournament at a premium of £35 made payable to Marsh Ltd. Payment is required in advance and, following receipt, confirmation of cover will be sent to the club.

 

We have a guest player. Will he be covered by the club's Compulsory Playing insurance?

Yes. It is the club team which is the insured party and all players in the side are included.

 

I am 55 years old and am intending to play for a senior team. Do I have cover?

Yes. Whilst the rules say no player under the age of 17 may play for a senior team, there is no upper age limit for the Compulsory Scheme. However, for Death by Natural Causes cover there is a "50 next birthday" restriction.

 

Is death by natural causes covered?

No. Death by Natural Causes is not covered in the compulsory ADPTD scheme. The reason for this is that the underlying principle behind the RFU policy is to cover against accidents specifically associated with playing rugby. It is not the intention to provide cover for other risks or to supplement an individual's private insurance, in this case life cover. However, clubs can purchase Death by Natural Causes cover on a voluntary basis on behalf of their players.

 

Can we register our women's teams with you?

The RFU have agreed to include the RFUW under the ADPTD scheme. The benefit level of £300,000 which will apply is higher than was previously arranged for Ladies teams. Therefore you can register the ladies teams on the application form.