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Accident Insurance for Student Athletes
Accident insurance provides great protection for your family against the unexpected catastrophes
possible in everyday life, but what about people who put themselves in potential physical danger
every day? A lot of basic accident insurance policies will refuse compensation if the policyholder
suffers injury in a way that the insurance company deems "intentional"; athletics can often fall into
this category. Athletes, especially student athletes, are put at a great risk every time they take the
field, track, or arena, and to protect them against the inherent risks of physical activity, families need
to choose a policy that allows them to focus more on improving their abilities than worrying
constantly about potential injury and the resultant financial strain that comes with it.
Many major and minor insurance companies have accident insurance tailored specifically towards
athletes. For example, Mutual of Omaha has a policy to cover student athletes including members of
the band and cheerleading squads. There are also insurance companies like 1st Agency that specialize
in covering students at the interscholastic and intercollegiate levels. These policies can provide the
necessary protection to families who have children participating in sports at all levels.
High school football is a great and widely popular tradition in America, but behind the less populated
sports of boxing and mixed martial arts, it is one of the most dangerous. According to Ramirez et al.
2006, there are roughly 26 injuries for every 100 players in high school American football. In the
study, Ramirez says that these rates of injury can differ depending on playing surface, weather
conditions, and position, but overall, the prospect of 1 out of every 4 high school football players
sustaining an injury at some point can be a cause for concern among the parents of these athletes.
Other non-contact sports can also be dangerous. According to Watson and Paul (1987), in high school
track and field 1 out of every 6 males and 1 out of every 8 females suffered an injury at one point of
the season. In this study the injuries could include certain ailments such as muscle strains that do not
require medical attention, but there is always a distinct possibility that the injury could require more
an ice pack and some time off. Even though high school athletics should be encouraged in students,
there are many risks despite the many benefits, and families should prepare for these risks.
When shopping for athletic accident insurance for your child, always consult the school's policies
regarding injury first. Certain states will cover various injuries, while many others will not, but it is
always ideal to have your own personal coverage should the injury exceed the limitations held by the
school's policies.
Sources:
Ramirez, M. Schaffer KB, Shen H, Kashani S, Kraus JF. “Injuries to high school football athletes in
California.” American Journal of Sports Medicine, July 2006; 34(7):1147-58.
Watson, Michael D. and D, Paul P. "Incidence of injuries in high school track and field athletes and its
relation to performance ability." American Journal of Sports Medicine, June 1987; 15: 251-254.