British Triathlon insurance change leaves non-residents scrambling for cover

A recent change implemented by British Triathlon is said to be leaving non-UK residents in a bind as they now face the difficulty of securing their own insurance in order to compete in events.

“We are only able to provide public liability insurance as part of membership to UK residents,” British Triathlon notes on its website. “If you live abroad permanently, no public liability will be provided by British Triathlon through either our membership packages or through a Race Pass.”

A report by Triathlon Magazine cited Paul Weston, a British passport holder who resides in Canada, as having been notified of the change in June. Weston is looking to participate in this year’s Ironman 70.3 Weymouth but now must have his own £5 million public liability insurance policy.

According to the publication, Weston has not been successful in getting himself covered. Similarly, another Canada-based athlete is having the same insurance troubles ahead of their planned participation at Ironman Wales.

“No one has been able to offer a solution,” it was noted.

Meanwhile both Ironman and British Triathlon are said to be working hard to come up with a solution for overseas participants.

As for those living in the UK, they have the following options that come with £15 million public liability cover: Race Pass, Essential membership, Core membership, Ultimate membership, Core Coach membership, and Ultimate Coach membership. The coach membership options both include £10 million professional indemnity cover.

Except for the Race Pass, which only provides public liability insurance during the event, membership covers athletes for a whole year while they are training and/or racing. Personal accident cover is also provided under the Core and Ultimate options. Additionally, British Triathlon members get access to discounted bicycle insurance.

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