Insuring College Athletes and Others for Accidents and Injuries

During any type of play, accidents could happen. As a result, players might get hurt. This is a risk that every college sports player is likely aware of. However, what many people don’t realize is that there are many other people who might be at risk of injuries, too. These might include coaches, team managers, volunteers, guests on the field and other spectators. 

Of course, while no team wants these accidents to happen, there is no guarantee that they won’t. While teams will likely have strong risk management programs in place, these are no guarantee that injuries will not occur. When they do, they might get incredibly expensive. The injury could cause the victim significant medical bills, lost income and other financial challenges. Additionally, the college and the team itself might experience reputational damage. 

However, your team’s insurance coverage will likely create avenues to help you compensate injured parties for their losses. The policies that you might need to buy include: 

A basic accident policy can kick in if someone gets hurt during play or practice, but their own health insurance might not prove adequate for the injuries they sustain. In this case, they can turn to their accident plan for additional coverage.  

Though most colleges require team members to have health insurance, there are still cases where a player might be uninsured. This coverage might also be able to help them out in these cases, too, as long as the injury occurred during play. 

Catastrophic accident insurance takes this benefit much further. If a team member gets severely hut, in a way that could significantly impact their lifestyle, then catastrophic coverage can step in. Its benefit is that it will provide not only assistance with medical bills, but also help with other expenses that can help the injured party live a normal life.  

Though some sports associations provide this coverage, others do not. Therefore, check with your association before enrolling in coverage.

There are times when someone might get killed or severely maimed as a result of sporting accident. Sometimes, these might be staff members. These parties are often close to the sidelines and could be sitting ducks for accidents. Therefore, should they get killed or otherwise severely injured, then this coverage can step in to compensate them or their loved ones.

A basic or catastrophic injury plan is a great benefit for student athletes. However, it does not replace standard health insurance. After all, accident policies will only pay for injuries sustained during play. What if a student athlete gets sick, has a car accident, or sustains an injury that needs physical therapy? In these cases, their standard health insurance is the best way for them to get help.  

Many intercollegiate athletic organizations offer a health benefits package to players if they cannot obtain health insurance on their own. Therefore, the team can always stay healthy.

              4. Liability Insurance

Finally, your team will assume responsibility for the safety of players, spectators and others. That’s why if something happens to them on your watch, they might try to sue you for their losses.