I agree with Protocol.
The third question is a bit more complicated.
The VHI states in its T&C that you are excluded from claiming from them any expense that you are entitled to claim from a third party. They could claim that you must claim from the insurance of the sports club and only claim from the VHI if you have expenses that were not covered by your club.
It sounds like you had an operation to have the rod in, did you pay for this privately out of your pocket or why did you not do a direct claim for this procedure ?