Insurance Guide for Players in Europe

Playing pro hockey in Europe is a great experience for many, but the financial and legal risks of injury, contract issues, or accidents can turn that into a nightmare without the right insurance in place. While some leagues and teams provide basic coverage, many players, especially imports, find themselves under-protected. Learn about the most important types of insurance players should consider.

🏥 1. Accident / Injury Insurance

Players are covered with basic healthcare from the teams, but around 80% also buy private accident/injury insurance. The payouts can be huge, and the premiums aren’t too high. For example: I have a €500,000 policy on my body. It costs me roughly €2,200 per season. When I sprained my ankle, I was paid €20,000 for the injury. — DEL Player

Accident insurance covers the immediate medical expenses and rehabilitation needed after an injury, whether during training, games, or off-ice workouts. In most leagues, teams often offer basic coverage, but players frequently purchase private policies for more comprehensive payouts and faster claims processing.

These policies often include:

• Fixed-sum payouts for specific injuries (e.g., ankle sprains, torn ligaments)
• Coverage for private medical treatment or rehab not covered by team plans
• Faster access to specialist care

The level of coverage varies by league and team, making it essential for players to review their contracts and supplement with private options when needed.

💰 2. Salary Insurance (Income Protection)

If you’re injured for longer than six weeks, you come off the team's payroll, and the government starts paying your salary. However, it’s reduced to 60% of your net income, and teams do not cover the difference. One way to avoid this is by purchasing ‘salary insurance,’ which tops up your pay from 60% to 100% if you get injured. Thought it might be useful for players to know this because a guy on my team was shocked that no one told him about it.— DEL Player

Salary insurance is one of the most critical policies a player can invest in. If you're injured long-term, the team stops paying your salary, and you're only paid partial income. That gap can be financially devastating, especially for imports with obligations back home.

Private salary insurance ensures that:

• Your income remains intact during extended injuries
• You avoid financial hardship due to disability gaps

Private salary insurance helps protect your full income during long-term injuries and prevents financial strain from reduced disability payments.

⚖️ 3. Legal (Lawyers) Insurance

Some guys even go as far to buy lawyers insurance. If you get in a legal battle with a team, you only pay your deductible, which in most cases is like 600€. You then have full legal coverage without the worry of racking up tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees. — DEL Player

Legal insurance covers the cost of lawyers, legal advice, and court fees if you’re involved in a dispute with your team or face employment-related issues. While some player unions in countries like Sweden and Finland offer legal support, individual players often choose to have independent coverage, especially when playing abroad outside their home country’s legal system.

Situations it may cover:

• Contract termination or breach
• Unpaid bonuses or late payments
• Misunderstandings around tax or employment status
• Legal defense if you're sued for actions on or off the ice

For imports in particular, having this in place provides peace of mind and leverage in any contractual issue.

🛡️ 4. Liability Insurance

Liability insurance protects players if they cause injury to someone else or damage property, either during play or in day-to-day life. This includes incidents like:

• On ice collisions resulting in lawsuits
• Damaging property. E.g. Apartment or car damage
• Accidental harm during sponsored appearances or public events

This coverage is like 120€ per player for 12 months. Or 180ish for a family. I think anyone who chooses not to get this is nuts. It’s relatively cheap considering how much it actually covers. — DEL Player

🚫 5. Permanent Disability & Career-Ending Injury Insurance

This type of insurance provides a lump sum payout if you suffer an injury that ends your career permanently. While some teams may include partial disability coverage in their contracts, the amount is rarely enough to replace lost career income.

Players who’ve had their careers cut short due to concussions, knee damage, or spinal injuries often rely on this payout to:

• Start a new career
• Support their families during the transition
• Cover long-term healthcare costs

It's particularly crucial for older players or those nearing the end of their careers, as a final contract cut short without compensation can be financially devastating.

🧾 Protect Your Future

Hockey careers are unpredictable and insurance isn’t just for peace of mind. It’s a financial lifeline.

• Review your contract carefully before signing and ask what’s included and what's not.
• Speak with other imports and learn what they’re buying in each league.
• Invest in the right mix of accident, salary, and legal coverage, especially if you’re playing abroad or in a lower-tier league.

Whether you’re an import just starting your European journey or a veteran in your final seasons, insurance ensures that one injury doesn’t hurt or erase your earnings.

Players are encouraged to consult directly with insurance providers in the country where they’re playing to understand what coverage is available, what’s commonly recommended for pro athletes, and why the cost of a proper policy is typically well worth the investment.

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