Beyond the game: how elite athletes take care of business to stay on top

Beyond the game: how elite athletes take care of business to stay on top

AW
Published: 05th September, 2025
Updated: 5th September, 2025
BY Athletics Weekly
Article sponsored 
by 
All Sport Insurance

In collaboration with All Sport Insurance

When we think of elite athletes, we often picture peak physical performance, PBs, SBs and championship moments. But what’s less visible, yet equally critical is the off-field preparation that makes these moments possible.

Beyond rigorous training and mental preparation, successful athletes operate like businesses. They manage their affairs with foresight and precision—especially when it comes to logistics, financial planning and protection.

As former Olympian Allyson Felix put it: “Every detail matters. The more you take care of off the track, the more space you have to focus on the race.”

That’s why in AW’s August edition, All Sport Insurance highlighted how they can help athletes, and the wider athletics eco-system secure the best protections for their needs, on and off the field of play! Take a look at some examples, many of which we are sure you will be familiar with:

1. Travel Insurance – Protection on the Move

Athletes often travel internationally—sometimes to locations with limited access to healthcare or logistical support. Travel insurance provides:

  • Medical cover abroad, including emergency evacuation
  • Trip cancellation or delay protection
  • Lost or damaged gear reimbursement

Without it, a single incident—like a missed flight or stolen or lost vital sports equipment—could derail months of preparation. We also know that the best supporters can also be hit by disrupted travel or requirements for support when away from home.

2.. Motor Insurance and Home Insurance – Covering Life on the Road

Athletes often travel frequently to training and competition venues. Many athletes may be unaware that this activity would require business use to be added to their car insurance.

Other considerations include the need for comprehensive cover to provide protection against accidents, theft, vandalism, or damage

  • the need to add additional drivers such as support staff, family friends to your policy so that they can legally drive your vehicle whilst also being fully insured
  • the need to accurately disclose your occupation as an athlete, to ensure any subsequent claims are not rejected by the insurance company on the basis that you initially provided incorrect information.

The last thing any athlete needs is a vehicle issue causing disruption ahead of a key event or media appearance. Irrespective of your specific circumstances, All Sport will work to find you a policy which meets your needs and circumstances whilst at the same time is competitively priced and offers good value for money.

(David Hewitson)

3. Medical Insurance – Fast Recovery, Best Treatment

Injury is an unavoidable risk in sport. Private medical insurance ensures:

  • Fast access to specialist care, rehab, and surgery
  • Choice of providers and treatment plans
  • Reduced downtime and quicker return to play

This is crucial when an athlete’s body is their primary asset and we know you want to be back on track both figuratively and literally!

4. Income Protection – A Safety Net for Uncertainty

If an athlete is injured and unable to compete, their income can dry up fast—especially for those not on guaranteed salaries or sponsorships. We have all heard about delayed payments from leagues recently, and this can hinder an athletes future financial planning.

Income protection insurance can:

  • Replace a portion of earnings during recovery
  • Cover living expenses or training costs while sidelined
  • Offer peace of mind for both athletes and their families

This allows individuals to focus on rehabilitation without financial pressure to themselves or their families.

Elite sport isn’t just about what happens in competition—it’s about what is prevented from happening outside of it. Smart athletes invest in risk management the same way they invest in training. It’s not just about maximizing gains; it's also about minimising avoidable losses.

Whether you are an athlete, coach, support staff, agent or a member of a local club you can contact the team at All Sport who would be happy to discuss your specific circumstances and the various insurance options available to you, your athlete or your club.

The team at All Sport are looking forward to hearing from you.

You can reach us on:

All Sport Insurance | Sports Insurance Specialists

[email protected]

01803 659121 

@AllSportInsurance – Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter

Happy to help and #OnYourSide

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