In 2005, the National Collegiate Atheltic Association, or the NCAA, required colleges to make sure their athletes had health insurance before they began competing. However, those requirements were not specific, and while some colleges cover most to all of the costs associated with athletic injures, many don't cover medical claims at all.
Erin Knauer, a rower at Colgate University, has $80,000 in medical bills from crew-related back and neck injuries, which the university refused to admit was actually crew-related. If Knauer was covered by Colgate's athletic insurance, she would have recieved full coverage for a $1,000 deductible. Now working two jobs, Knauer admits, "I never thought I'd be in this position today."
And Knauer is not alone. In the New York Times article, College Athletes Stuck With the Bill After Injuries, athletes were mentioned from Ohio University, the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and from Michigan State, all whom faced similar circumstances.
And what a way to repay their athletes! Colleges gain reputability, fame, and profits from their athletes who, in turn, exhaust their bodies physically in the name of their Alma Mater. You would think colleges would appreciate the sacrifice. You would think colleges would want to help out their injured athletes.
Some colleges do just that, like Northwestern University, Spalding University and Middlebury College. "These young men and young women are representing your institution. Ethically, I think it’s the right thing to do.” (Charlie Just, Compliance Director, Spalding U).
But for the majority of schools, they will continue to make excuses for paying for their athletes' medical needs. And as high school athletes looking to play NCAA sports in college, you should know if the schools which are recruiting you value you enough to cover your sports-related medical costs.
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