FIBA has introduced one of the biggest and most comprehensive reimbursement schemes in sport to protect national team players and their clubs. The new, upgraded and global program on Saturday was ratified by FIBA’s Executive Committee. The insurance, which is being introduced ahead of the first games of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Qualifiers, covers male and female players in senior, as well as U17, U18, U19 and U20 national teams, for temporary total disablement and surgical expenses.
The scheme ensures that FIBA can compensate clubs for players injured while at the national team with benefits based on their salaries and the number of days lost. Additionally, clubs will be compensated by FIBA for surgical medical expenses incurred during national team duty.
The new scheme marks a major step forward in the protection of players. It covers four times as many players than the previous arrangement – including wheelchair players – and embraces games across all regions.
By providing year-round cover at FIBA events, rather than in the summer only, the scheme is tailored to meet players’ needs under FIBA’s new calendar, introducing significant improvements to all the main conditions that applied in recent major competitions like the FIBA EuroBasket 2017.
Critically, it reduces both the excess period – the period before payments are made – and the scope of exemptions.
Arranged through Arch Insurance Company (Europe) Limited, a leading worldwide insurer, FIBA has set up a permanent dedicated help-desk to provide advice and assistance to players and their clubs.
