Part of our guide: Disability Income Insurance: Solutions, Tools and Guides →
Professional athletes face injury risk every time they train, practice, and compete. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has listed athletes among the few occupations with more than 1,000 injuries per 10,000 workers. For them, one injury can mean a lost season, a smaller contract, or the end of a career.
Key takeaways
- Athlete contracts vary widely in how much is guaranteed, so income protection needs differ by sport and player.
- Specialty coverage can pay for major injuries even when the athlete eventually returns to play.
- Loss of value and draft protection policies insure future earnings, not just current income.
A projected first-round pick who is injured and drops to the third round can lose millions. Loss of value coverage insures that gap.
Critical injury or illness
Pays a predetermined lump sum for major injuries, such as a torn ACL, Achilles, or patellar tendon, even if the athlete returns the next season. The benefit helps cover lost income during recovery.
Roster bonus coverage
Some NFL contracts pay per-game bonuses for being on the active game-day roster. Specialty coverage can pay a set per-game benefit when a player on the full roster or injured reserve misses the game-day roster because of accidental injury or illness.
Loss of value
Not every injury ends a career, but it can reduce ability and market value. Loss of value coverage insures the difference, for example when a projected first-round pick is injured before the draft and selected in the third round. Veterans can also use it before re-signing.
Draft protection
Prospects risk everything before they can sign a professional contract. Draft protection coverage pays if an injury or illness destroys or reduces their draft value.
Tailored placements
Each plan is built around the athlete’s sport, contract, and projected value, which is easier when working with many specialty markets. Availability and terms change, so contact us for current options. See real placements for an NFL draft pick and an MLB player.
Frequently asked questions
Can professional athletes get disability insurance?
Yes, through specialty markets that offer permanent total disability, critical injury, loss of value, and draft protection coverage.
What is loss of value insurance?
Coverage that pays if an injury or illness reduces an athlete’s future contract value, such as dropping in the draft.
What is draft protection insurance?
Coverage for amateur athletes that pays if an injury or illness reduces or eliminates their draft prospects.
Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25
Tim Fuller
President, SRS Inc.
Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.
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