 Image: Studio Finch under CC 3.0 |
Intuitively, most marathon runners and other serious athletes would be a good bet for health insurance plan providers. They are extremely fit, making them less likely to develop chronic health conditions like diabetes. On the other hand, they are actively working towards better health.
However, there’s a catch in that model of an ideal investment: injuries. So far, health insurers have reserved the right to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions, and a severe injury or accident could qualify. Either the policy will cover everything except treatment related to the injury, or they will be denied a policy altogether. (The healthcare reform law looks to end this in 2014.) In addition, even minor sprains or other injuries require doctor’s and hospital visits, driving up health insurance costs.
On the bright side, many distance runners buying individual health plans tend to be on the young side, making their coverage cost less.
Tags: athletes, distance runners, health insurance plan, health insurers, healthcare reform, individual health insurance, injuries, marathon runner, pre-existing conditions, running
