The claim payment pay-out for the type of injury England World Cup star Jordan Henderson incurred during the Three Lions’ win against Mexico on Monday would potentially run into thousands of pounds if suffered by a member of the public.
In the early hours of Monday morning while viewers saw England qualify for the quarter finals of the World Cup by beating Mexico at their Azteca stadium, Henderson managed to break his wrist in a collision with an advertising hoarding during the team’s celebrations.
Henderson has subsequently had surgery on his arm and is likely out for the rest of the tournament, but his injury also underlines the importance of taking out protection cover.
In the UK protection market a variety of options are available that could provide support for a similar injury.
Additional support
British Friendly Society told Health & Protection its fracture cover was potentially payable under its wrist fracture category which pays out a £2,000 lump sum with no waiting period.
“Income protection would potentially be payable providing absence extends beyond the selected deferred period, and there has been a loss of income due to the injury,” the mutual continued.
”If claim is payable, a member would receive up to their insured monthly benefit until they are fit to return to their own occupation.
“If they are able to return to work in a reduced capacity we will be able to pay a lower level of benefit under back to work support payments for a maximum period of 52 weeks or until they return back to their pre-injury hours or income.
“We’d also support with any physiotherapy needed post-surgery to get them back to their pre-injury health status more quickly.”
Accident-only income protection
But there are other types of cover that could benefit individuals suffering a similar to fate to Henderson.
National Friendly does not cover professional athletes or accidents and injuries incurred overseas, but the mutual told Health & Protection if the same accident happened to a typical UK policyholder, under its accident-only income protection (AOIP) they would pay a monthly benefit depending on their chosen amount.
If fracture cover was selected a £2,000 fracture benefit would also be payable as a broken arm is classified as a moderate fracture.
“Depending on the healing time, typically four to 12 weeks for this type of injury, they could be unable to work for the full three-month benefit period,” the insurer added.
“On Gold Friendly Shield cover, this could result in up to £6,750 in income benefit, giving a potential total payout of £8,750 in this scenario.”
Financial pressure for amateurs
And under MetLife’s EverydayProtect policy, this type of injury where one bone is broken could see a pay out of up to £5,000, with an additional payment of up to £250 per day spent in hospital.
Phil Jeynes, head of individual protection, UK, at MetLife, told Health & Protection Henderson’s injury is a reminder that accidents can happen to anyone.
“While a top-level professional is likely to have financial support during recovery, many amateur footballers could face real financial pressure if a similar miss-judged celebratory leap left them injured and unable to work,” Jeynes continued.
“A policy can provide a cash payment for a broken bone, as well as additional support for time spent in hospital, helping people focus on their recovery rather than their finances.
“And, it’s a shame for England that VAR can’t undo a bad celebration.”
