How to Get Intercollegiate Sports Coverage: 6 Easy Tips
College club teams, intercollegiate sports groups, and small-college programs face real injury risk every season. However, many of these programs do not have the same coverage as varsity NCAA teams. Intercollegiate sports coverage fills that gap, paying for medical bills, lawsuits, and accident costs. At Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance, we work with club sports and small college groups across all 50 states to protect athletes and budgets.
What intercollegiate sports coverage actually does
Intercollegiate sports coverage combines accident medical and general liability for college club and small-college athletic groups. For example, accident medical pays a player’s medical bills after a practice injury, regardless of fault. As a result, families avoid surprise bills, and the group keeps its reputation strong.
In addition, general liability covers the group if a player, parent, or spectator sues. Because of this, intercollegiate sports coverage protects both the athlete and the program at the same time.
Why club and small-college programs need their own coverage
Many people assume the school’s insurance covers all sports. However, club teams and many smaller intercollegiate programs sit outside the main athletic department. As a result, they may have little or no coverage when an injury or lawsuit happens. In fact, some schools require club teams to buy their own intercollegiate sports coverage before they can practice or travel.
Moreover, club teams often travel, compete, and rent facilities on their own. Because of this, their risk looks more like a private league than a varsity team.
Common injuries in intercollegiate sports
College-age athletes are stronger and faster, which raises the stakes. For example, rugby, lacrosse, and hockey clubs see frequent contact injuries. Next, soccer and basketball clubs see ankle, knee, and head injuries. Then track, swim, and ultimate frisbee groups see overuse and impact injuries. Finally, even non-contact clubs see surprise injuries during games and travel.
In fact, the NCAA Sport Science Institute publishes safety guidelines that club programs can adopt to reduce risk and improve outcomes.
How accident medical works in intercollegiate sports coverage
Accident medical pays player medical bills after an on-field or in-practice injury, regardless of who is at fault. For example, a player tears an ACL during a club soccer match. As a result, the policy pays for the ER visit, surgery, and follow-up care, up to the limit. Most college groups carry $25,000 to $100,000 per injury in accident medical.
Moreover, this coverage is often primary or excess to the athlete’s own health insurance. Because of this, families face lower out-of-pocket costs and feel cared for. In addition, fast claims handling helps the program look professional.
How general liability rounds out the protection
General liability handles claims when someone sues the group. For example, a fan slips and falls at a club basketball game, or a player’s parent claims the coach was negligent. As a result, the policy covers legal defense and any settlement. Most intercollegiate sports coverage policies carry $1 million per occurrence in liability.
In addition, many policies also extend coverage to coaches, officers, and volunteers. Moreover, this gives club leaders peace of mind when they sign waivers, schedule trips, or rent facilities.
How to size intercollegiate sports coverage correctly
First, count your active members and the sports they play. Next, list every facility you use and every away trip you take. Then check the contracts, many facilities and travel partners set minimum coverage limits. As a result, you can size limits to match your real exposure without overpaying.
Of course, a youth and college sports specialist is the fastest path to a fair quote. Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance writes intercollegiate sports coverage for club teams, small colleges, and travel groups every day.
For more on protecting college athletes, see our guide to insuring intercollegiate athletes, and the NCAA outlines the medical coverage member schools must provide.
Protect your program with Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance
In summary, intercollegiate sports coverage pairs accident medical with general liability to protect college club teams and small-college programs from injuries, lawsuits, and surprise bills. As a result, athletes get care fast and programs stay strong. Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance has served sports groups for over 50 years in all 50 states.
Call us today at 800-247-1734 or visit our intercollegiate sports page for a fast quote. In addition, explore our blog for more program tips, and review league coverage for community-level teams.
