The insurance coverage for Jamaican athletes participating in competition overseas is now US$100,000 or (J$15 million).

Minister of Sport Olivia Grange provided the update on Wednesday during her contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

She said the amount was of historic proportions not previously undertaken by any government.

Grange also disclosed that the Government has made significant improvements to the Jamaica Athletes Insurance Programme. She noted that a new contract for the provision of Group Health, Group Life and Personal Accident insurance coverage was awarded to Allied Insurance Brokers for the period February 1, 2022 to January 31, 2025 in the amount of $38 million.

Coverage for the Group Health and Group Life portfolios will be provided by Sagicor Jamaica Limited while Lloyd’s Syndicate of London will provide Group Personal Accident Insurance coverage.

Among the improved benefits are:

– Consultation which moves from $2,000 to $3,500

– Prescription from $28,000 to $32,000 plus major medical.

The sport minister said athletes are now able to access unlimited psychological/psychiatric services as well as dietitian/podiatrist/chiropractor, massage therapy, athletic therapy and speech therapy.

“Other benefits under this contract include hearing aid services, renal dialysis, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, artificial limbs and other prosthetics, root canal and permanent crown,” said Grange.

The minister said support for miscarriage can now be accessed.

She also gave an update on Holmwood Technical’s middle distance runner Samantha Pryce who broke a leg as she competed in the Championships of America 4×800 finals at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia on April 29.

Grange said Pryce, who is still hospitalised in the United States, was covered under the Jamaica Athletes Insurance Programme and is receiving good care. She said Pryce should return to the island at the end of the month.

“Samantha did not have to claim on the coverage under the Jamaica Athletes Insurance Programme since the University of Pennsylvania agreed to cover the expenses. But I am happy that the Jamaica Athletes Insurance Programme would have been able to cover the expenses,” said Grange.

Pryce, who was running her final race for Holmwood Technical, won the 2000m steeplechase and the 3000m Open at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Champs in April.

She also won a gold and a silver medal for Jamaica at the Carifta Games held in Jamaica in April, winning the Under- 20 girls 3,000m and placing second in the 1500m.