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Pro Skier Health Insurance?

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SkiFreshPow
Posts: 233 - Karma: 335
Professionals in our sport get hurt quite often and it really got me thinking about the injuries aspect of being a pro. I'd assume there is some sort of health coverage for athletes sponsored by major brands, but I don't know the details of it at all. Does anyone out there on NS know these details of the life of a pro? Also, I know it's possible to insure body parts, do you think it's likely that any skiers ever insure their knees, heads, etc...? Pros always seem to be able to have reconstructive surgeries for acls and whatnot; those procedures ain't cheap and I wonder who foots the bill for them.
Apr 16 2014 3:58AM
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jensen
Posts: 2576 - Karma: 1,267
wtf you think this is, golf or football? 95% of "pro" skiers can barely pay their rent. there is no "sort of health coverage for athletes sponsored by major brands." Skiers are not employees of the company that sponsors them, they are on their own for healthcare.
Apr 16 2014 4:07AM
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Casey
Posts: 7873 - Karma: 24,651
I'm pretty sure pollard had/has some sort of insurance policy to extricate him from anywhere he is skiing I just remember hearing about it when he got stuck in Russia with that broken leg.
Apr 17 2014 2:21PM
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-SnowSnoli-
Posts: 756 - Karma: 1,703
Riders on the Freeride World Tour and Freeride world qualifiers are covered under the Freeride world tours insurance whilst competing..

Otherwise it depends on the individual.

In Switzerland work covers you for most accidents even whilst not working.
Apr 17 2014 2:30PM
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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
jensenwtf you think this is, golf or football? 95% of "pro" skiers can barely pay their rent. there is no "sort of health coverage for athletes sponsored by major brands." Skiers are not employees of the company that sponsors them, they are on their own for healthcare.


yes and no. some larger companies (redbull, i would guess some monster/rockstar, etc) will offer health benefits as part of the contract, because if an athlete can no longer perform, they lose valuable representation (this goes mostly for huge name athletes, like thall, dumont, candide, torin, henrik, etc. not as well known ones are different)

CaseyI'm pretty sure pollard had/has some sort of insurance policy to extricate him from anywhere he is skiing I just remember hearing about it when he got stuck in Russia with that broken leg.


yes, but that was something he pays for/organized on his own. with the amount of high risk stuff that those guys do so far away from civilization or adequate medical facilities, its definitely a good investment. plus guys like pollard have made enough money already that its a necessary expense of doing what they do.
Apr 17 2014 2:36PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3346 - Karma: 5,771
In the USA, Obamacare or ACA Marketplace health plans are the best thing going if you make less than $25k/year on the books. Making $16k on the books I pay $45/month and it's the best coverage I've ever had. Before this I couldn't even get a price to cover my back with a spinal fusion at T2-T8.
Apr 17 2014 3:45PM
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,525
Most skiers are independent contractors for the companies they represent, so the companies have no obligation to offer any health benefits. The top athletes can negotiate this into any contract. Most are under 25 so they can still be covered under parents coverage.
Apr 17 2014 4:08PM
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SkiBum.
Posts: 3600 - Karma: 3,909
No fear, Obama care is here!
Apr 17 2014 4:35PM
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S.J.W
Posts: 7609 - Karma: 31,186
Well pretty much the government pays for everything, unless you're in America.
Apr 17 2014 6:25PM
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*Nefarious*
Posts: 1072 - Karma: 4,208
to my knowledge, everyone i know pays their own health insurance, Sponsors can't really do that, i'm pretty sure...
Apr 17 2014 6:42PM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,011
ECSTASKIWell pretty much the government pays for everything, unless you're in America.


Yeah, but if your canadian, European, or the like and injure yourself while out of country it's probably best to have some travellers insurance.
Apr 17 2014 8:20PM
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cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
snomasterIn the USA, Obamacare or ACA Marketplace health plans are the best thing going if you make less than $25k/year on the books. Making $16k on the books I pay $45/month and it's the best coverage I've ever had. Before this I couldn't even get a price to cover my back with a spinal fusion at T2-T8.


sweet so not only are you not paying all your taxes you're relying on the rest of us to pay your bills when you get injured. obamacare ftw
Apr 17 2014 8:37PM
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shane.t
Posts: 729 - Karma: 364
cornholiosweet so not only are you not paying all your taxes you're relying on the rest of us to pay your bills when you get injured. obamacare ftw


oh jeez.. here we go
Apr 18 2014 1:42AM
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prettygood
Posts: 168 - Karma: 433
cornholiosweet so not only are you not paying all your taxes you're relying on the rest of us to pay your bills when you get injured. obamacare ftw





Scientists say the universe is made up of Protons, Neutrons and Electrons. They forgot to mention Morons.
Apr 18 2014 3:54AM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7160 - Karma: 17,589
jensenwtf you think this is, golf or football? 95% of "pro" skiers can barely pay their rent. there is no "sort of health coverage for athletes sponsored by major brands." Skiers are not employees of the company that sponsors them, they are on their own for healthcare.


Actually for the big names it is a pro carer so they get looked after. Thinjk of it this way, a sponsor only sponsors a rider so they get exposure for the brand. If the skier gets injured there is no exposure for the brand so they are paying the athlete for nothing. So it makes sense for the sponsor to pay for the best health care so the athlete can get back to repping the brand as soon as possible.

Most big brands will have physios and maybe doctors who will attend the big events. Take the olympics for example. Athletes there would have access to both national and team doctors so they are very well looked after.

This of course is how it works for the big guys on the big teams. More am riders who dont get much exposure wont have access to things like the big guys do.
Apr 18 2014 8:11AM
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cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
prettygoodScientists say the universe is made up of Protons, Neutrons and Electrons. They forgot to mention Morons.


fight me pussy
Apr 18 2014 9:47AM
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
*Nefarious*to my knowledge, everyone i know pays their own health insurance, Sponsors can't really do that, i'm pretty sure...


what do you mean by "can't?"
Apr 18 2014 9:57AM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51739 - Karma: 163,474
I remember when stephen murray got hurt at the dew tour this problem became huge. There wasn't really anything in place to deal with things of that magnitude.
Apr 18 2014 3:30PM
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deleted5
Posts: 14507 - Karma: 13,507
I get my insurance through ny state and i love it, my 100,000$+ brain surgery was free, and All medications i've ever needed are only a dollar co pay. Being in america we now have cheep health care they can all get covered for cheep starting on may first, making it no longer a problem.
Apr 18 2014 5:18PM
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deleted5
Posts: 14507 - Karma: 13,507
cornholiosweet so not only are you not paying all your taxes you're relying on the rest of us to pay your bills when you get injured. obamacare ftw


No dumb ass learn what you are talking about, this actually makes it cheaper for us. Still waiting for many NS accounts to talk about how it ruined the country now that people actually signed up for it (Mr.Huck call out) because so far 9 people i know can no go to the doctor or ER if they hurt themselves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSjGouBmo0M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSjGouBmo0M
Apr 18 2014 5:27PM
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cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
snomasterIn the USA, Obamacare or ACA Marketplace health plans are the best thing going if you make less than $25k/year on the books. Making $16k on the books I pay $45/month and it's the best coverage I've ever had. Before this I couldn't even get a price to cover my back with a spinal fusion at T2-T8.


zzzskizzzNo dumb ass learn what you are talking about, this actually makes it cheaper for us. Still waiting for many NS accounts to talk about how it ruined the country now that people actually signed up for it (Mr.Huck call out) because so far 9 people i know can no go to the doctor or ER if they hurt themselves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSjGouBmo0M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSjGouBmo0M


my comment was more based on his "on the books" comment which isn't necessary. he's implying that he doesn't report all his earnings which in turn means he pays less taxes on what he does earn. why shouldn't he pay his part? i'm sure both of you would bitch about illegals who don't pay their taxes, why is this different?
Apr 18 2014 5:54PM
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cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
^ if your healthcare costs are based on reported income you're cheating the system when you lie about your income.
Apr 18 2014 5:59PM
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jensen
Posts: 2576 - Karma: 1,267
tomPietrowskiActually for the big names it is a pro carer so they get looked after. Thinjk of it this way, a sponsor only sponsors a rider so they get exposure for the brand. If the skier gets injured there is no exposure for the brand so they are paying the athlete for nothing. So it makes sense for the sponsor to pay for the best health care so the athlete can get back to repping the brand as soon as possible.

Most big brands will have physios and maybe doctors who will attend the big events. Take the olympics for example. Athletes there would have access to both national and team doctors so they are very well looked after.

This of course is how it works for the big guys on the big teams. More am riders who dont get much exposure wont have access to things like the big guys do.


Let's use Wallish for an example. Huge name, huge sponsors such as Monster, Scott, North Face. Which one of those companies is going to pay for his health insurance? You think Scott is going to be cool with paying the entire cost of what is also North Face and Monster's athlete? That is not how it works. Maybe he'll have a clause in his contract that says he needs to provide his own health care coverage or, maybe, they will let him buy into the group policy Scott provides its own employees. Hopefully they would consider the requirement to provide health coverage in how much his salary is and adjust accordingly.

Or do you think Monster, Scott, and North Face are all able to communicate well enough together to divide up the cost of Wallish's insurance? Definitely not going to happen.

Olympics and national teams are exempt from this discussion.


PS: Why did everyone down vote my post? Do you think I am wrong? Or do you just not like the truth?
Apr 18 2014 6:50PM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13106 - Karma: 18,907
So skiing is not about the passion and the love of doing it no matter what the costs are? Its about being a pro?

Im sure shane would be laughing at this thread.
Apr 18 2014 9:55PM
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JohnnyRossman
Posts: 106 - Karma: 357
The majority of "pro" skiers live by very humble means. Most professional skiers make their money by doing manual labor in the off-season. Being a "pro" usually doesn't entail having quality health care provided by your sponsors. In the United States, if you're under 27 you can be on your parents insurance. If you're older than that and you make under an estimated $20,000 a year, you probably qualify for medicare or at least pretty affordable healthcare.
Knee surgery is expensive as fuck and the skier or their family pays the cost. It can put you into bankruptcy and financially ruin you. Plus, if you don't work your ass off getting back into top shape, you loose all your sponsorships.
Hope that helps bud, being injured sucks major balls.
Apr 18 2014 11:55PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7160 - Karma: 17,589
jensenLet's use Wallish for an example. Huge name, huge sponsors such as Monster, Scott, North Face. Which one of those companies is going to pay for his health insurance? You think Scott is going to be cool with paying the entire cost of what is also North Face and Monster's athlete? That is not how it works. Maybe he'll have a clause in his contract that says he needs to provide his own health care coverage or, maybe, they will let him buy into the group policy Scott provides its own employees. Hopefully they would consider the requirement to provide health coverage in how much his salary is and adjust accordingly.

Or do you think Monster, Scott, and North Face are all able to communicate well enough together to divide up the cost of Wallish's insurance? Definitely not going to happen.

Olympics and national teams are exempt from this discussion.


PS: Why did everyone down vote my post? Do you think I am wrong? Or do you just not like the truth?


That will be decided in the contracts. Sponsor contracts are not all spew rate there is overlap. When singing there will be provisions put in place for injuries. It's not like Tom is going to be paying for his own health care is it. I can tell you from the salomon side the care the athletes receive is amazing. Every effort is put into getting them skiing again fast. It's like I said before any time off skis is lost revenue so it's in every sponsors interests to help athletes stay healthy.
Apr 19 2014 3:05AM
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BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
zzzskizzzI get my insurance through ny state and i love it, my 100,000$+ brain surgery was free, and All medications i've ever needed are only a dollar co pay. Being in america we now have cheep health care they can all get covered for cheep starting on may first, making it no longer a problem.




Hahaha jesus christ. Where the fuck do you think this "free" health coverage comes from? Health care costs are astronomically high right now, and are getting higher by the day. I work in insurance and your post couldnt be further from the truth
Apr 19 2014 10:04AM
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deleted5
Posts: 14507 - Karma: 13,507
BrewskiJrHahaha jesus christ. Where the fuck do you think this "free" health coverage comes from? Health care costs are astronomically high right now, and are getting higher by the day. I work in insurance and your post couldnt be further from the truth


Now let's look at why it's so much money? Is it because now a lot of us are now on a universal healthcare system. So now a lot more people who are rushed to the hospital won't have to file for bankruptcy and forced the taxpayers to pick up their bill of 100,000+ dollar bill? We pay the more money for healthcare than any other country, and this was way before Obamacare. The video I posted explained it very nicely, everyone in other country's are on one kind of health care plan. The government could come in to a medical area, example fake hips, and say whoever can make the cheapest replacement hip that is also safe. Will make fake replacement hips for the rest of America, thereby making medical companies compete with each other for low rates to pick up these contracts. Because right now medical companies are charging whatever they think they can get away with, because most the time you'll die without medical help, so people with out insurgence are forced to pay pay the hundred thousand plus dollars and then file for bankruptcy. There's a reason why AARP health insurance has the cheapest rates around you get contracts with companies, and companies then want to fill those huge contracts so they compete with each other.
Apr 19 2014 12:44PM
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J-Dubb
Posts: 438 - Karma: 3
cornholiosweet so not only are you not paying all your taxes you're relying on the rest of us to pay your bills when you get injured. obamacare ftw


Amen. Obamacare is the most ridiculous idea out there.
Apr 19 2014 4:36PM
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howlongcanausern
Posts: 4982 - Karma: 1,737
BrewskiJrHahaha jesus christ. Where the fuck do you think this "free" health coverage comes from? Health care costs are astronomically high right now, and are getting higher by the day. I work in insurance and your post couldnt be further from the truth


i cannot wait until single payer puts health care insurance companies out of business. they produce nothing. they process claims and collect premiums...such a massive inefficiency.
Apr 19 2014 6:25PM
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remster
Posts: 898 - Karma: 261
HanYoloi cannot wait until single payer puts health care insurance companies out of business. they produce nothing. they process claims and collect premiums...such a massive inefficiency.


I just got meniscus surgery all paid for by ACC and the government. Free healthcare is seck #NZ
Apr 19 2014 10:23PM
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snowdon
Posts: 2480 - Karma: 391
Lol another example of NS believing pros make tons of money and get everything handed to them. They don't, with the exception of a very, very select few. "Doing well" for most pros is making more than 20-25k a year and getting some free skis/outerwear. The vast majority are on their own for health care if they aren't covered by their parents plans, which you can be if you're under age 26.
Apr 20 2014 10:57AM
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slcski
Posts: 21 - Karma: 15
I got hooked up through Obamacare and although I still pay a monthly premium of $70, I have the second to lowest tier healthcare, but it is for athletes and made my ACL reconstruction surgery only cost me $560 out of pocket. Get insured if you take risks, even if your pro you should find someway to get covered, if i wasn't I would be in huge debt right now.
Apr 20 2014 1:48PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7160 - Karma: 17,589
snowdonLol another example of NS believing pros make tons of money and get everything handed to them. They don't, with the exception of a very, very select few. "Doing well" for most pros is making more than 20-25k a year and getting some free skis/outerwear. The vast majority are on their own for health care if they aren't covered by their parents plans, which you can be if you're under age 26.


Not really. It depends what you call pro. I call a pro someone who is on a big factory team and they are a regular in the top 20 of big events. These guys get covered. Do you really think bobby or Tom are worrying about paying medical bills? Yes for the majority of skiers who like me or you may get a couple of free pairs of skis a year we are not getting health care but for the "pros" yes of course they get looked after.
Apr 20 2014 2:00PM
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*JDBP*
Posts: 312 - Karma: 2,006
They have Global Assist. /EndThread
Apr 20 2014 4:37PM
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Mr.Huck
Posts: 6096 - Karma: 14,901
zzzskizzzNo dumb ass learn what you are talking about, this actually makes it cheaper for us. Still waiting for many NS accounts to talk about how it ruined the country now that people actually signed up for it (Mr.Huck call out) because so far 9 people i know can no go to the doctor or ER if they hurt themselves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSjGouBmo0M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSjGouBmo0M


The shit is only beginning to hit the fan. Hope you have a fall back plan.
Apr 20 2014 10:19PM
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nickmcnutt
Posts: 4396 - Karma: 2,966
MedJet, I have it and I know others who do as well. Basically they pick you up anywhere on the planet and bring you to the hospital of your choice.
Apr 21 2014 1:33PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3346 - Karma: 5,771
cornholiomy comment was more based on his "on the books" comment which isn't necessary. he's implying that he doesn't report all his earnings which in turn means he pays less taxes on what he does earn. why shouldn't he pay his part? i'm sure both of you would bitch about illegals who don't pay their taxes, why is this different?


Hey Corn Hole, have you ever worked for tips? Have you ever sold anything on NS? Why would I report your mom giving me $20 just to suck my dick? The government doesn't need to know everything.

I also think our health and tax systems are both fucked. I'd way rather see a consumption based tax system… think all sales tax, with no income or property tax. And for health care I like what they do in the UK… they have free healthcare, but you can pay for private insurance and get better care if you want. It's like two parallel systems from what I understand.

And what McNutt mentioned is a good deal too for people who travel beyond their range of coverage.

But the ACA/Obamacare deal is a lot better than we've ever had in the USA if only for eliminating the pre-existing injuries clause. Of course I'm going to use it. And cash deals will never be fully taxed. Sorry that hurts you.
Apr 21 2014 3:40PM
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youRsmellA
Posts: 349 - Karma: 236
*Nefarious*to my knowledge, everyone i know pays their own health insurance, Sponsors can't really do that, i'm pretty sure...

The question got answered. Shredders pay for individual plans, they are not that much, I pay $130 a month (better price than obamacare.)
Apr 21 2014 4:50PM
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milk_man
Posts: 5252 - Karma: 5,978
They could just not tell their insurance company that they ski. Boom
Apr 23 2014 6:19PM
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Bateman
Posts: 8593 - Karma: 8,600
cant hear you over the sound of my free healthcare
Apr 24 2014 2:07PM
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