A Q&A with Hussain Al-Zubaidi
We recently caught up with BTF x Yellow Jersey age-group ambassador Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi for a quick Q&A on what happens when things don’t quite go to plan. A committed age-group triathlete balancing training and competition alongside a demanding professional career, Hussain offers an honest insight into his recent experience with insurance and why having the right cover matters when you’re juggling performance goals with work, family, and everyday life.
What happened that meant you had to cancel your race?
I fell off my bike in a training ride one week before the World Age Group Long Distance Triathlon Championships and fractured my clavicle. It was devastating to miss an event I’d trained so hard for, but the injury made racing impossible and recovery was the only sensible option.
At what point did you realise you’d need to make a claim?
It became clear straight away, once the fracture was confirmed by X-ray and my clinician advised no racing. Even though I knew it was fractured, I mentally needed the doc to tell me “no way mate”. With only a week to go, there was no realistic chance of competing, so I contacted Yellow Jersey to start the claim process.
What was your experience of the claims process with us?
Absolutely brilliant. The whole process was straightforward, friendly and fast. The claims form was clear, and the team were helpful about what evidence they needed. I uploaded medical notes and the fracture confirmation without any faff, and Yellow Jersey kept me updated at every stage. Their professionalism and speed really took the pressure off during a pretty stressful time.
Was there anything that surprised you about how it worked?
I was pleasantly surprised by how compassionate and communicative the team were. They made a point of explaining the steps and timescales, and their checklists made it simple to know what to send. The efficiency and human touch were both more than I expected.
How important is race fee cover to you as someone who trains for big events?
It’s essential. Training for big events is a huge investment, physically, mentally and financially. Knowing there’s cover in place means you can commit to races without the constant worry of losing your entry fee should the unexpected happen.
What advice would you give another athlete considering race fee cover?
Get it. Read the policy so you understand what’s covered and the timeframes, keep clear medical records, and contact your insurer as soon as you know you’ll miss the event. Take photos/scans of paperwork and use digital folders to keep everything organised, it makes submitting a claim so much easier.
Did the cover help you re-book or plan your next event?
Yes, it helped hugely. While it couldn’t replace the experience of racing, the repayment removed a big financial burden and allowed me to budget for additional physio and to hold my place for a later event. That practical support made recovery and planning a sensible comeback a lot easier.
Yellow Jersey’s entry-fee claim cover gave me real peace of mind when the worst happened. Their product is designed to protect athletes’ entry fees if you’re forced to pull out because of illness or injury. Exactly the sort of practical support you want after investing time, training and money into a big event. While nothing can replace the experience of lining up at a world championships, Yellow Jersey’s clear, speedy support meant I didn’t lose the financial outlay, and for that I’m genuinely grateful.
