Discover How NCAA Insurance Offers Great Benefits After Playing Days

The NCAA insurance program, which provides coverage for injuries sustained while student-athletes compete for their schools—and continues to offer protection for up to two years after they graduate or leave the program—has been in effect since August 1, 2024. This Post-Eligibility Insurance Plan (also known as PEI) marks a critical commitment to the continued health and wellness of student-athletes, ensuring they don’t face ongoing financial burdens because of injuries from their NCAA years. If you’re a collegiate athletic trainer, you know how valuable this will be to your players. But since PEI is still relatively new, you may have questions. As the program’s claim handlers, we can help you find the answers you need.

Your Top Questions About NCAA Post-Eligibility Insurance Answered

At a recent town hall, Dixon Gillis, CEO of A-G Specialty Insurance, and Amanda Hart, Vice President of A-G Client Services, spoke with Liz Schneckenburger, NCAA Director of Insurance, about how PEI affects intercollegiate athletics programs and student-athletes.

What does PEI cover?

This program covers injuries from a student-athlete’s time competing for their school and extends that coverage for two years after they graduate or leave the program. It’s a big deal because it provides support during a critical transition period. It ensures student-athletes have resources to meet the highest possible standard for health and wellness.

Who is eligible for PEI?

All NCAA student-athletes across Divisions l, ll, and lll with properly documented covered injuries that have occurred on or after the start of the program on Aug. 1, 2024, are eligible.

When does PEI go into effect?

The coverage goes into effect after the student-athlete separates from school or voluntarily withdraws from athletics.

How long does PEI last?

It lasts up to two years (104 weeks) after a student-athlete separates from their institution.

Who pays for PEI coverage?

The NCAA pays for it. (The annual premium for this program is projected to cost the NCAA $26 million.)

What are the benefits?

The NCAA health insurance plan offers up to $90,000 per injury with no deductible.

• It covers hospital stays, surgeries, prescription drugs, and even ambulance services.

• Recognizing the importance of mental health, NCAA also provides up to $25,000 for mental health expenses related to athletic injuries.

Do student-athletes still need primary health insurance or sports insurance for accidents?

Yes. PEI doesn’t replace bylaw requirements. It starts only when a player leaves the program. It also doesn’t replace the student-athlete’s need for primary health insurance during their playing years. And secondary accident plans still fill a big gap by helping with out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments until the catastrophic limit kicks in. Coordinate the new insurance with current policies for seamless coverage.

How are PEI claims handled?

A-G is honored to provide the claims management for the PEI program with our fully digital and industry-leading claims management system. With our experience working with 725+ colleges and universities, athletic trainers can rest assured that they won’t be carrying added administrative burdens.

Where can I find more details about PEI?

This NCAA overview provides more information about the sports insurance policy and how it will affect student-athletes and college athletic programs.

The Protection From Career-Ending Injuries Student-Athletes Deserve

The NCAA Insurance Program is a monumental step forward for student-athletes. It offers vital protection against career-ending injuries, giving them peace of mind as they move into their post-college lives. About 67% of former NCAA Division I athletes reported major injuries in their sports careers, with 50% having chronic injuries, which contribute to joint degeneration and reduced quality of life. This safety net helps prevent financial instability due to sudden medical bills, allowing athletes to focus on their careers and personal growth.

A-G Provides Comprehensive Accident Coverage for Collegiate Student-Athletes

Want to learn more about the NCAA Insurance Program and how it can benefit your student-athletes? Don’t miss the PEI Town Hall we ran, where you can gain a clear understanding of how the program works, the steps to file a claim, and the valuable benefits it provides to member institutions and student-athletes. You can also get in touch with our sports insurance specialists for a consultation. A-G offers several insurance solutions for colleges. We can help you lower your premium, simplify your insurance claims process, and cover gaps in your existing NCAA insurance coverage.