Forester Health has launched an injury cover plan aimed at amateur sports enthusiasts.
The Sports Injury Plan pays most of claimants' treatment bills including, physiotherapy, osteopathy and diagnostic tests – and includes complementary medical treatments such as acupuncture.
All but the most dangerous sports are covered by the plan.
Forester Health claims rugby and hurling carry the greatest injury risk, and bowls and croquet the least.
The Sports Council says more than five million people suffer injuries from amateur sports each year, making it a potentially huge market.
Sports-related injuries account for more than three million lost working days and £500 million in direct and indirect expenses each year.
The waiting list for consultation and injury treatment can be long. But the chances of quick recovery are enhanced by rapid diagnosis.
For this reason Alec Maccallan, managing director of Forester Health, said the Sports Injury Plan fills a "significant gap" in the market.
The cost of the plan is £83.40 per annum or £6.95 per month.
Sports clubs starting the scheme with at least ten members can benefit from ten per cent commission.
