During a special media call held on Monday, Zuffa announced that beginning June 1, all fighters under contract with the UFC and Strikeforce would be eligible for a customized accident insurance policy.
A press release was issued today, but offered a limited explanation of the coverage fighters would receive under the policy.
The new policy adds 24-hour worldwide medical life insurance and dental coverage, as well as emergency medical evacuation. Zuffa will pay 100 percent of the premiums for its athletes and have an employee dedicated to handling and filing all claims.
A number of sites listed more details of the Insurance Policy from the media call. Props to BloodyElbow.com for the notes.
– Every fighter under contract with Zuffa is covered by the new policy. Covers fighters worldwide. A fighter does not need a scheduled fight to receive coverage.
– The coverage includes $50,000 per fighter per year with premiums being paid for by Zuffa. No out-of-pocket expenses for fighters.
– Lorenzo Fertitta refused to give a concrete number, but claimed that this is a “substantial” expense to the company.
– Dana White and Fertitta both stated that this was something they’ve been working on since purchasing the company.
– They thought they would announce the deal at Chuck’s retirement, but it didn’t work out. Started to look like a reality two or three months ago.
– The policy covers all in-training and accidental injuries, but will not cover common cold, etc.
– Zuffa general counsel Lawrence Epstein noted that they worked to get accidental coverage to avoid disputes between training and non-training injuries.
– Feritta mentioned that they received a round of applause from fighters at the Strikeforce summit.