Disclose Martial Arts Competitions for Insurance?

Martial arts can involve fitness, technical forms, controlled sparring or full-contact competition. Because the level of risk varies significantly, New Zealand insurers may ask about martial arts, combat sports, hazardous pursuits, competitive activities and related injuries when assessing an insurance application.

When should martial arts be disclosed?

You should answer accurately whenever an application asks about an activity that applies to you. Relevant questions may cover:

• Martial arts or combat sports;

• Competitive or hazardous sporting activities;

• Full-contact competition;

• Previous sports injuries or medical treatment;

• Current or intended participation in competitions;

• Plans to compete professionally or at a higher level.

Some insurance applications specifically identify martial arts as an activity requiring additional information. Others use broader terms such as “combat sports”, “competitive sports” or “hazardous pursuits”.

If the wording is unclear, ask the adviser or insurer in writing rather than deciding that an activity is too minor to mention.

What information may the insurer request?

Simply stating that you practise martial arts may not provide enough information for underwriting. The insurer may ask about:

1. The martial art involved
   Tai chi, forms-based wushu, taekwondo, karate, judo, boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts can have very different risk profiles.

2. The level of contact
   Forms competitions, controlled sparring and full-contact fighting are not necessarily assessed in the same way.

3. Competition status
   The insurer may distinguish between recreational participation, amateur competition, competitive amateur activity and professional fighting.

4. Frequency of participation
   This may include weekly training hours, the number of competitions entered each year and future competition plans.

5. Safety precautions
   Underwriters may consider coaching, club or association membership, competition rules, supervision and protective equipment.

6. Previous injuries
   Concussions, fractures, dislocations, ligament damage, neck or back conditions and recurring soft-tissue injuries may require further assessment.

7. Future intentions
   Plans to compete overseas, increase the level of contact or become a professional may also be relevant.

Does disclosure automatically mean higher premiums?

No. Disclosure allows the insurer to assess the actual circumstances; it does not automatically lead to a premium loading or declined application.

Possible underwriting outcomes include:

• Standard cover;

• A request for a supplementary questionnaire;

• A request for medical records;

• An exclusion relating to a particular activity;

• A premium loading on certain benefits;

• Postponement while an injury is investigated or recovering;

• Declining a particular type of cover in higher-risk cases.

The outcome can vary between life, health, trauma, total and permanent disability, and income protection insurance. For example, income protection underwriting may place greater emphasis on the likelihood that an injury could prevent the applicant from working.

What if you start competing after taking out insurance?

If the policy is already in force, check its wording to determine whether the insurer must be notified about a new activity. Requirements can vary, so neither automatic notification nor automatic non-notification should be assumed.

If the application is still being assessed or the policy has not yet started, notify the insurer if your participation, competition plans or health circumstances change. Further disclosure may also be required when applying for additional cover, reinstating a policy or replacing existing insurance.

How should the activity be described?

A clear disclosure should normally include:

• The type of martial art;

• Training and competition format;

• Club, association or coaching arrangements;

• Weekly training hours;

• Past and expected competition frequency;

• Amateur or professional status;

• Contact rules and protective equipment;

• Domestic or international competition plans;

• Relevant injuries, investigations and treatment.

Provide the facts and allow the insurer to classify the risk. Avoid making your own assumption that an activity is either harmless or hazardous.

Final thoughts

Participating in martial arts competitions does not necessarily prevent someone from obtaining insurance. The important step is to read each application question carefully and provide complete, accurate information where relevant.

Clear disclosure helps the insurer confirm the terms before cover begins and reduces the likelihood of later uncertainty about what the policy covers. Underwriting standards vary between insurers and products, so the final decision and policy wording should always be checked.