NCAA Insurance: Understanding Its Impact on Student-Athlete Health & Wellness

The collegiate sports landscape has been transforming with the introduction of the NCAA NIL (name, image, likeness) legislation in 2021. But while financial opportunities for student-athletes are arguably long overdue, it’s important not to lose track of how these new incentives also affect mental and physical health. Is NCAA insurance prepared to meet these latest pressures? A-G explains potential gaps in coverage and how insurance and support systems should work together to help student-athletes thrive both on and off the field.

Where NCAA Insurance Starts & Stops: Are Student-Athletes Covered?

Today’s student-athletes face more challenges than they did before NIL’s introduction. NCAA athlete compensation is now allowed through NIL deals, which let them profit from their name, image, and likeness when they couldn’t before. These opportunities also bring new responsibilities that could significantly affect their physical and mental health.

In addition to the ever-present pressure to excel in sports while managing academic performance and meeting fan and school expectations, student-athletes can now add juggling financial commitments to their plate. A-G Chief Executive Officer Dixon Gillis, who recently spoke on Student-Athlete Experience & Wellness in a Post Compensation World at CALS24, observes, “The risk of burnout increases as student-athletes strive to meet expectations. Anxiety levels rise due to pressure to succeed, which can lead to higher injury rates. Now more than ever, it’s important to ensure the holistic well-being of student-athletes.”

The Role of Health Insurance in Supporting Student-Athletes

Historically, many student-athletes have faced gaps in healthcare coverage when they’ve been injured in an accident, leading to concerns about financial repercussions and their access to necessary medical services.

The NCAA offers currently offers two solutions:

• First, the NCAA’s Catastrophic Insurance Program steps in when expenses of $90,000 have been met. Before that, the student-athlete’s private insurance covers them until that limit is reached. (The NCAA requires student-athletes to have private insurance to participate in intercollegiate sports.) However, the student-athlete and their family are left to cover out-of-pocket expenses (including deductibles and copayments) until they reach the $90,000 limit.

• Next, the NCAA recently introduced its Post-Eligibility Insurance Program that covers excess accident medical expenses for athletically related injuries suffered during participation in an NCAA-qualifying intercollegiate sport for up to two years after the student-athlete ceases to participate in their sport.

While these two plans are a step in the right direction, they can leave significant expenses for the student-athlete to handle.

Where To Find a Sports Insurance Solution

To compensate for the coverage gaps, schools often provide sports insurance to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses. A-G’s college accident plan is one such plan chosen by thousands of colleges and universities to cover the expenses left by private insurance. When you consider that out-of-pocket medical expenses can run $18,900 for a family in 2024, they can have a big impact on finances, and worrying about them can ultimately affect recovery. Sports insurance coverage removes those burdens.

However, according to Gillis, “The newest gap in the support system surrounding student-athletes—mental health support—has become even more apparent since the start of NIL deals.”

Mental Health—The Most Commonly Identified Health Insurance Gap

In A-G’s Second-Annual College Sports Insurance Study, participating schools recognized the mental stress student-athletes face every day. They listed mental health benefits as the #1 gap in insurance coverage. Why?

“As they navigate their dual roles as students and athletes—often at the expense of personal time and self-care—the risk of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout increases,” Gillis explains. “The pressure to perform well now expands to include their NIL deals, creating a perfect storm for mental strain.”

NCAA mental health benefits aren’t currently offered by the organization. However, to support these increased vulnerabilities, A-G recently introduced its 24-Hour Student AD&D Insurance coverage. The coverage provides:

• Accidental death and dismemberment benefits
• Support for mental health to help students, particularly student-athletes, navigate the pressures of competition, compensation, campus life, and more
• Flexible crisis management benefits, which can be designed to include:
  • Counseling services for up to 10 close friends of a student who committed suicide
  • Medical and counseling expenses for students who witnessed or were involved in violent acts
  • Family support that covers travel, housing, and meal expenses for parents or immediate family members

Additionally, many schools are implementing workshops addressing stress management techniques, coping strategies for competition pressures, and the importance of self-care. Failure to address mental well-being can lead to deteriorating performance, increased dropout rates, and negative long-term consequences for student-athletes.

Talk to A-G About How We Can Help With NCAA Insurance Gaps

Sports insurance and plans with mental health benefits from A-G are helping schools prioritize health and wellness programs that allow student-athletes to thrive both on and off the field.

To learn more about how our flexible, customizable plans can help your sports program, request a no-obligation quote. And, if you’d like to learn how your medical and insurance costs compare to those of your peers, download our latest College Sports Insurance Survey Report.