Professional riders' health insurance?
10-02-09, 09:21 AM
#1
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Professional riders' health insurance?
This has been something I've wondered for quite some time and I just got an email from Livestrong that sort of brought up the question again: do pro riders get health insurance through their team? If not, how much does it cost when you list 'professional bike racer' under your occupation? I'm sure it can't be cheap considering the amount of hospital visits most pros have each year. I thought pro racers were independent contractors (thus avoiding any minimum wage requirements) and independent contractors usually don't receive any sort of benefits. Is there a difference between a small continental team like Mountain Khakis or Rock Racing and a ProTour team like Astana or Columbia?
Anyone have any insight into this?
Anyone have any insight into this?
10-02-09, 02:17 PM
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If you are a pro rider, you are an employee and have coverage. At least I did, as well as a life insurance policy just in case. And disability (think Saul Raisin as an example). And a meager contract which is why the disability and life policies are important.
If you are in Europe, you get to wait unless you are a big pro. Then you go the head of the line.
If you are in Europe, you get to wait unless you are a big pro. Then you go the head of the line.
10-02-09, 02:35 PM
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(not for pros, just avg joes like me & you)
USAC provides supplemental insurance during races, and you can buy 24/7 accident-only insurance for $25/month.
Friend of mine had an $8,000 helicopter ride bill (from a crit accident), luckily she was using the Adventure Advocates coverage and they paid the bills.
USAC provides supplemental insurance during races, and you can buy 24/7 accident-only insurance for $25/month.
Friend of mine had an $8,000 helicopter ride bill (from a crit accident), luckily she was using the Adventure Advocates coverage and they paid the bills.
10-02-09, 04:05 PM
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Most professionals come from countries that aren't stuck in the nineteenth century, and so have health insurance because they are human beings and that's what we do now.
