Student Insurance

A very broad outline of benefits is given below and is supplied in good faith. See panel to right the BAB own information should be regarded as definitive. For details of conditions and exclusions reference must be made to the policies.

Index to topics on this page:-
      Introduction
      Disclosure / Health
      Students and non BAB Associations
      Summary of cover
      FAQ
      Accident / 3rd Party Claims

Introduction
Personal Accident and Third party Insurance from the BAB is provided via a blue registration certificate as with all insurance there is no cover beyond the expiry date on the certificate and students need to be in current membership of a BAB member association. The Aikikai's procedures are outlined under "Policy and Procedures". [Instructor's have student cover rolled into their Instructor's insurance for when not instructing.]

Disclosure / Health
Any one seeking insurance under the BAB’s registration scheme for accident cover has to declare any material fact that might affect cover. It is worth recording that taking part against medical advice is a principal exclusion. All clubs should have in place a pre-vetting system reviewing health. Also are excluded pre-existing injuries that are made worse through the incident.

Injuries do not include sickness, disease, any naturally occurring condition or degenerative process. More specific definitions appear in the policy document. Reasonable steps to avoid or minimise injuries must be made and specifically no benefit is paid if the person is undertaking Aikido against medical advice.

For registration certificate insurance, Perkins Slade, the BAB's broker has indicated that students must declare material facts to the instructor so that the instructor is aware of any disability. ** This need not be forwarded to Perkins Slade. Any instructor that is concerned should raise the matter with the BAB via the Membership Registrar of the Association

** The instructor should ensure special needs as appropriate are considered in arranging practice.

A doctor’s note indicating the student may participate in Aikido should be obtained by the student and held by the instructor / Club / Association where there is doubt or concern.

Students and non BAB Associations
Students joining a non BAB Association or practicing in one will not be covered by the Membership insurance.

Summary of cover from the BAB Insurance Guidelines
8.2 Who is covered?
All members of a currently registered BAB Association that hold a valid Association membership licence and has paid (via the Association). the appropriate premium. Note: personal accident insurance is not available for a student over 65 years, but member to member liability cover is not age restricted.

8.3 Summary of Cover

     

- Member to Member Liability
Provides an indemnity for students in respect of legal liability to pay damages & costs awarded by the Courts for injury to other members.
The Limit of indemnity is £2,000.000 any one occurrence.
The policy is written on a "claims made" basis therefore only covers claims notified to the insurers during the current period of insurance.
 

- Personal Accident
Covers students up to 65 years, involved in activities associated with membership of the Association anywhere in the world.

Benefits include:

 

a)

Accidental Death £30,000
 

b)

Accidental Death (U l6yrs) £2,000
 

c)

Permanent Total Disablement from any gainful occupation for which he she is fitted for by education, training or knowledge. including loss of eye(s) and / or limb(s). £50,000.


8.3.1 Associations are responsible for ensuring that all students hold valid cover at all times. Associations may choose their own method of charging students for insurance, most wrap this up within their Association membership fee. (The Aikikai does this)

8.3.2 No application form is required from students.

FAQ

Who is covered?

All members of clubs and associations affiliated to BAB

Are temporary members covered?

Cover applies to new members for a period of two weeks. Cover will only continue if membership is taken out and subscription is paid.

What about Aikidoka over 65

Personal accident benefit is not paid but member to member liability is still effective

Are guests or participants in demonstrations covered ?

No

Overseas Students

Anyone from overseas who is resident in the UK, either permanently or temporarily as student etc (i.e. has a UK address) is covered under BAB member-to-member insurance, as normal, as long as they are resident in the UK for most of the year of insurance.

Short term visitors, however are not covered. Insurance for overseas visitors must be purchased in the country of origin, and this varies considerably.

[Clarified 15/10/05] The Chairman invited Jayne Phelps to explain to the meeting why it was not possible to obtain insurance from our brokers for overseas Instructors or Students. Specifically, they do not have the resources to deal with the cross-country litigation that would arise from claims from a foreign national. The Insurance companies have advised that if an Instructor or Student from overseas was domiciled in the UK for over 6 months and had a UK address, then Associations could give them cover, but any Instructor or Student attending a course for a day or week, should obtain Insurance from their home country before they travelled.

If a UK member is practicing with a non-UK visitor, the non-UK visitor is not covered by the BAB insurance. The UK member is covered for 3rd party and for personal injury. They are not, however, covered by the BAB for a claim against the non-UK visitor.

Further clarified Mar-06 There has been some confusion recently regarding insuring overseas visitors and the 6-month rule. ....We can insure students from overseas provided they intend to be resident in the UK for at least 6-months and have a UK residence. If you have any queries on this please contact Phil Purcell.

 

What about liability for injury to other members?

The policy includes member to member liability but does not include injury or damage to non-members other than temporary members.

Is the use of wood weapons covered

Only in accordance with the disciplines and practice of Aikido is covered. This is covered further in the BAB Insurance Guidelines

Is the practice of Iaido covered? (the drawing of a sword)

It is covered on the proviso it is for practicing moves / methods with no partner / opponent participation and is blunt metal. This is covered further in the BAB Insurance Guidelines with more detail

Practice with Live Weapons

This is not covered by any existing policy and Associations who require this cover should make their own arrangements with an Insurer because of this limitation.


The BAB Insurance Guidelines should be regarded as definitive on all matters and can be viewed or downloaded from their web site downloads page - Insurance section

Accident / 3rd Party Claims
Accident / Injury Claim Forms can be downloaded or viewed on the BAB web site where there is also other material regarding Insurance. The Form should be completed promptly to alert the Insurers - there is short period under which this may be done to the BAB. New forms were made available in Dec 07 but haven't yet appeared on the BAB website.
[Coaches need to complete a Incident notification form this is described in the Coaching section, in any event]