Cabinet gives green light to athletes' insurance plan

Cabinet has approved athletes' insurance plan to provide group health as well as life and personal accident insurance for more than 1000 athletes across all sports.

Information minister Sandrea Falconer made the announcement during yesterday's Jamaica House press briefing.

"Cabinet has approved the selection of Guardian Life Insurance and Allied Insurance Brokers as the providers of insurance for our athletes," said Falconer.

"Guardian Life will provide group health while Allied will provide group life and personal life and personal life accident coverage," she said.

Falconer added all national sporting associations and federations have also committed to supporting the plan by contributing five percent of the cost for each participating member athlete.

'The Jamaican athlete's insurance plan has received funding support from the Sports Development Foundation, Tourism Enhancement Fund, the National Health Fund and the Chase Fund.

Falconer noted that to qualify for the insurance scheme athletes have to be in a programme representing Jamaica.

".. Once you are not active in a programme then you will not qualify," Falconer stated.

Meanwhile, newly appointed president of Netball Jamaica Paula Daley-Morris said her association welcomes the move by cabinet.

"We spend a lot of money on our players' in terms of taking care of their medical issues," said Daley-Morris.

"This is going to help to keep little bit more money in our coffers," she added.