The Premier League is back and for millions of football fans that means weekends filled with fixtures, Fantasy Football, match-day rituals and plenty of football chat. But the return of the football season can also inspire people to get back on the pitch themselves.
The Premier League is back and for millions of football fans that means weekends filled with fixtures, Fantasy Football, match-day rituals and plenty of football chat. But the return of the football season can also inspire people to get back on the pitch themselves.
Whether you're playing five-a-side after work, turning out for your local Sunday league or joining an amateur football team, getting active is a great way to stay fit and socialise.
But there's another side to amateur football that's worth considering: injury.
Could a Football Injury Affect More Than Your Weekend?
A twisted ankle or pulled muscle might mean missing a few matches. But a more serious sporting injury could potentially keep you away from work too.
Research from MetLife UK found that nearly one in four (23%) UK adults have experienced a sporting accident. Among those who had experienced, or were concerned about, an accident, one of the biggest worries was the financial impact of being unable to work. (Actuarial Post)
The research found that:
- 23% were concerned about having to take time off work
- 20% worried about not being able to be at home for their children
- 16% were concerned about having to take unpaid leave
It's a reminder that the consequences of an injury can extend well beyond the football pitch.
What If An Injury Meant You Couldn't Work?
For many households, losing an income could be far more financially challenging than the injury itself.
Your mortgage or rent still needs to be paid. So do household bills, food costs, car finance and other regular commitments.
Even if you have some savings, it's worth asking yourself: How long could your savings cover your household expenses if you couldn't work?
Your employer may provide sick pay, but the amount and length of time it lasts can vary significantly. For some people, a prolonged period away from work could result in a substantial drop in income.
That's where having an appropriate protection plan could make a difference.
What Protection Could Help If You're Injured?
There are different types of protection available, and the most appropriate option will depend on your circumstances, occupation, finances and existing employee benefits.
Income Protection
Income Protection can provide a regular income if you're unable to work because of illness or injury, subject to the policy terms and conditions. Rather than being specifically linked to your mortgage, it is designed to replace part of your income, helping you continue meeting essential financial commitments while you're unable to work.
For someone who regularly plays amateur football, this could be worth considering as part of a wider financial protection plan.
Critical Illness Cover
Critical Illness Cover works differently. It can provide a lump sum if you're diagnosed with one of the specified critical illnesses covered by your policy.
It isn't designed to cover every sporting injury or period of sickness, so it's important to understand exactly what a policy does and doesn't cover.
Life Cover
Life insurance is designed to provide a lump sum to your beneficiaries if you die during the policy term. While this won't protect you against a football injury preventing you from working, it can be an important part of protecting your family's finances if other people depend on your income.
Does Playing Amateur Football Affect Your Insurance?
This is a common question for people who take part in sport. Simply playing amateur football doesn't automatically mean you can't obtain protection. However, insurers may ask questions about your hobbies and activities when assessing an application.
Factors such as the type of sport, how often you participate and whether you take part competitively can be relevant.
It's therefore important to answer application questions accurately. Your adviser can help you understand what information an insurer needs and how your circumstances may affect the cover available to you.
Don't Just Protect Your Football Season
Nobody starts a football match expecting to get injured. But accidents can happen and when they do, the financial consequences can last much longer than the injury itself.
Before you head back onto the pitch this season, it could be worth considering another question alongside “Who do we fancy to win the league?” If I couldn't work because of an injury, how would I pay my bills?
Think about:
- How much sick pay would I receive from my employer?
- How much do I have in accessible savings?
- How long would those savings last?
- What would happen to my mortgage or rent?
- Would my family be financially affected if my income stopped?
- Do I already have protection through work or personally?
If you're not sure how you'd cope financially, it could be worth reviewing your protection arrangements.
At Crystal Clear Financial Planning, we can help you understand the different protection options available and consider how they could fit around your circumstances, income and financial commitments.
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As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. The cost of this insurance depends on several factors, such as your age, where you live and your occupation. As a result, the cost you will pay is based on your own circumstances.
