From tomorrow, AFL and AFLW players will no longer be covered for head trauma through their superannuation insurance.
What's changing?
Most superannuation funds include total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance, which provides a lump sum payout if someone is permanently unable to work due to injury.
For AFL and AFLW players, that cover is provided by Zurich through the AFL Players' Association super fund.
From 1 May, Zurich will exclude concussion, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and all other head trauma-related conditions from its cover.
CTE is a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head knocks.
TPD cover will drop by $650,000 per player, and death cover by $350,000 per player. More than half of AFL players hold the policy.
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Zurich told AMP, the fund's trustee, it "cannot continue to support this high level of claims." The insurer said it is the only company offering this type of coverage to AFL and AFLW players, and no other insurer has indicated it will step in.
Why is this happening?
Claims surged after Melbourne premiership player Angus Brayshaw was forced into medical retirement following a concussion in the 2023 qualifying final, with hundreds of players rushing to take out cover. Several players have since received seven-figure payouts.
Brayshaw is now in a payout dispute with Zurich after his TPD claim was approved by seven doctors but denied by a Zurich-appointed doctor.
More than 100 former players are also pursuing a separate class action against the AFL and multiple clubs over concussion-related injuries.
What support is left?
The AFL and AFLPA established a "severe injury benefit" last year that provides up to $600,000 for players who suffer significant cognitive impairment linked to their careers. However, that payment is capped and discretionary, unlike the insurance it replaces.
