Nearly 350 fighters currently under contract with the UFC and Strikeforce will now be eligible for customized accident insurance coverage. The coverage will complement existing event coverage Zuffa already provides its athletes.
Up until this point, Zuffa’s insurance policies covered all injuries sustained during competition. However, this new unprecedented level of coverage, never before seen in the MMA world, will cover accidental injuries suffered by fighters while training, as well as non-training incidents such as automobile accidents.
Finding an insurance company that was willing to insure mixed martial artists proved quite difficult. After exploring the purchase of “training insurance” for years, Zuffa was able to secure the comprehensive coverage plan through A+ rated Houston Casualty Insurance Company.
Under the new policy fighters will have 24-hour worldwide medical life insurance and dental coverage, as well as emergency medical evacuation. One hundred percent of the premiums will be paid for by Zuffa and the company will have an employee dedicated to processing all claims.
UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta commented:
“Our athletes are some of the very best in the world and we’ve committed significant financial resources to provide them with insurance that complements the gold standard we have set for event-related coverage. We’re pleased to provide coverage that enables our athletes to seek and receive treatment for injuries sustained while preparing for bouts.”