The Government has announced that it has improved the Jamaica Athletes Insurance Plan, while awarding a new contract for the provision of Group Health, Group Life and Personal Accident insurance coverage to Allied Insurance Brokers for the period February 1, 2022 to January 31, 2025 at a value of J$38 million.

Making her contribution to the 2022-2023 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, Olivia Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport, said coverage for the Group Health and Group Life portfolios would be provided by Sagicor Jamaica Limited while Lloyd’s Syndicate of London will provide Group Personal Accident Insurance coverage.

Said Grange: “Among the improved benefits are: consultation from J$2,000 to J$3,500, prescription from J$28,000 to J$32,000 plus major medical. Athletes are now able to access unlimited psychological/psychiatric services as well as dietitian/podiatrist/chiropractor, massage therapy, athletic
therapy, and speech therapy.”

She added: “Other benefits under this contract include hearing aid services, renal dialysis, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, artificial limbs and other prosthetics, root canal and permanent crown. Support for miscarriage can now be accessed. Additionally, athletes travelling overseas are also covered up to a maximum of US$100,000.”

VALUE OF INSURANCE FOR OVERSEAS TRAVEL

Noting the value of the coverage for travel overseas, Grange pointed to the case of young athlete Samantha Pryce, who was injured while competing at the Penn Relays at the end of April.

“Samantha underwent surgery and is recovering overseas,” the minister said.

“I’m sure the House will join me in sending best wishes for her recovery. Samantha did not have to claim on the coverage under the Jamaica Athletes Insurance Programme since the University of Pennsylvania agreed to cover the expenses.”

She added: “But I am happy that the Jamaica Athletes Insurance Programme would have been able to cover the expenses. I call on sporting bodies to see that their athletes who play at the national and international level are registered with the insurance programme.”