Zurich Australia Denies Concussion Insurance Payouts

Zurich Australia has changed its policy regarding insurance access for brain injuries in Australian rules football. Establishing eligibility for coverage would require detailed medical evidence and a detailed injury history. Some reported payouts for these claims reached seven figures. Professional athletes remain excluded from state-based workers' compensation schemes due to expectations of alternative insurance coverage. The insurer noted an expectation that athletes would have other insurance arrangements in place. The National Rugby League has recommended that clubs limit contact training to mitigate head trauma risks. Jamie Burra of the Rugby League Players Association commented on the matter. Andrew Lavender, CEO of the Association of Social Sciences AFL, stated that players should be removed from play immediately following a concussion. The AFL Players Association described the Zurich insurance changes as disappointing. Lavender noted that while concussion testing and rehabilitation are, they may not be filtering down to community levels. Insurance changes are described as disappointing, though the provider maintains it will continue to support certain aspects of coverage. The insurer covers more than half of AFL players under the default superannuation provider, AMP.