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Best sports insurance for international students

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What is student insurance for sports coverage?

Student insurance for sports coverage is a type of health insurance that provides specific coverage for injuries sustained while participating in organized sports or athletic activities. It is designed to protect students from the financial burden of medical expenses resulting from sports-related injuries.

Why do international students need student athlete insurance?

International students participating in sports should consider obtaining sports insurance to protect against injuries sustained during athletic activities. Many international student sports insurance plans offer coverage for organized sports, including intercollegiate, intramural, and club sports.

Individual student-athlete insurance typically offers coverage for recreational, fitness, and organized sports. However, extreme or high-contact sports may require additional riders or may not be covered at all. Student sports insurance for international students cover medical emergencies arising during the participation in sports activities.

Sports insurance for Students

Students who are looking for sports health insurance coverage can compare and buy sports insurance for students at American Visitor Insurance. Obtaining health insurance for student athletes is an essential for international students engaged in athletic activities, ensuring they are financially protected against potential injuries.

What are the benefits of sports health insurance for students?

Sports is an integral part of a student's experience, promoting physical health and teamwork. To safeguard students participating in sports activities, our international student athlete health insurance plans offer dedicated coverage benefits.
Student sports insurance coverage provides:

  • Accident Coverage: In case of accidental injuries sustained during sports activities, medical expenses are covered. This includes treatments such as doctor's visits, hospitalization, and surgical procedures.
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation: In the event of a severe sports-related injury that requires specialized medical care, our insurance ensures the student's safe transportation to a medical facility equipped to handle their condition.
  • Sports-Specific Injuries: Our coverage includes injuries commonly associated with sports, such as sprains, strains, fractures, and concussions, ensuring that students receive the necessary medical attention.
  • Rehabilitation Benefits: Following a sports injury, rehabilitation and physical therapy play a crucial role in recovery. Our plan covers rehabilitation expenses, aiding students in their journey back to full health.
  • Coverage Extent: Whether on or off campus, during practice or official games, our insurance plan offers comprehensive coverage, ensuring that students are protected while engaging in sports activities.
  • Team and Group Coverage: If multiple students are part of the same sports team or group, our plan provides coverage for the entire team, offering a cost-effective solution to protect athletes collectively.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Some plans may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions related to sports injuries after a certain waiting period. This provides additional security for students with prior medical conditions.

What is the cost of international student sports insurance?

How much does sports insurance cost?

The international student insurance cost with sports coverage ranges from $30 to $124 per month depending on the type of sport and its risk level. The price depends on the factors such as student's age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductible, co-insurance and any additional sports rider you choose. Here at American Visitor insurance we have calculated the cost of international student sports insurance to help you compare and make an informed choice while buying the plan.

For example, the monthly cost of student athlete insurance for a 20-year-old.

Insurance Plans Policy maximum Deductible Cost Sports coverage
Student Journey Lite $150,000 $100 $30 Recreational, leisure, fitness, and optional adventure sports rider
StudentSecure Smart $200,000 $0 $32 Sports & Activities - Leisure, Recreational, Entertainment, or Fitness
Student Journey Plus $300,000 $500 $48 Recreational, leisure, fitness, and optional adventure sports rider
Patriot Exchange $50,000 $250 $56 Recreational, leisure, fitness, and optional adventure sports rider
Diplomat America $50,000 $250 $71 Organized sports & athletic activities
Student Journey Platinum $500,000 $250 $74 Recreational, leisure, fitness, and optional adventure sports rider
StudentSecure Select $1,000,000 $0 $106 Leisure, Recreational, Entertainment, or Fitness activities, along with optional intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports
Student Health Advantage Standard $500,000 $250 $124 Recreational, leisure, fitness, and optional adventure sports rider

Source: American Visitor Insurance®

What types of sports are covered under student health insurance?

When selecting a sports insurance plan, it’s important to consider the type of sport you’ll be participating in. Sports are generally grouped into main categories: organized sports, extreme or adventure sports, and recreational, leisure, or fitness activities.

International student insurance for organized sports

In insurance terms, organized sports usually refers to participation in intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural or club activities. If your sport involves team practices, a coach, scheduled training or registration through your school, it falls under this category.

WorldTrips Insurance plans offering health insurance for student athletes

StudentSecure Insurance

  • Both Student Secure Elite and Student Secure Select plans provide coverage for organized sports including intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, and club sports. Covers medical expenses related to sports injuries, up to $5,000 per injury or illness.
  • Student Secure Budget covers up to $3,000 maximum per injury or illness for medical expenses related to sports injuries or illnesses.
Student Secure insurance

Global Underwriters Insurance plans offering intercollegiate sports insurance

International students can buy either the Diplomat America Insurance or Diplomat LongTerm Insurance insurance if they intend to play on intercollegiate sports or club teams.

Sports rider options and coverage levels for Diplomat insurance plans

Coverage level

Add-on cost (flat monthly rate)

Sports covered

Low Option $12.00 Ballet, Baseball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Diving, Equestrian, Fencing, Field Hockey, Golf, Horse Polo, Water Polo, Rowing, Softball, Surfing, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball
Middle Option $26.00 Basketball, Competitive Cycling (Road, Track, CX), Ice Hockey, Inline Skating (with helmet/proper gear), Lacrosse, Martial Arts/Karate, Modern Pentathlon, Skiing (Slalom, Giant Slalom, Downhill), Ski Jumping and Wrestling
High Option $80.00 Football (No Division I), Gymnastics, Rugby (No Division I) and Soccer

If you’re a student athlete or plan to participate in intercollegiate, intramural, or club sports, you need to purchase an additional rider on this plan to get organized sports coverage. Not all organized sports are included in every insurance plan. Some plans will have exclusions for some activities such as contact sports and extreme sports. Always check the fine print of your plan to be sure the sports you are involved in are included in their coverage.

Adventure sports insurance for international students

Extreme or adventure sports are activities that involve a higher-than-normal risk of injury due to speed, height, physical exertion, or hazardous environments.

These are usually different from organized sports (like school football or college basketball) because they often take place in non-traditional or outdoor adventure settings and may involve specialized equipment. If you intend to participate in extreme or adventure sports, be sure to thoroughly review your insurance options.

Patriot Exchange, Student Health Advantage, and Student Journey plans offer an Adventure Sports Rider as an optional add-on to their student medical insurance coverage.

IMG offering high school sports insurance for international students

1. Patriot Exchange Program Insurance

  • Adventure Sports Rider(available to insureds up to age 65)
  • Age 31days-49: $50,000 lifetime maximum.
  • Age 50-59: $30,000 lifetime maximum.
  • Age 60-64: $15,000 lifetime maximum.
  • Limited High School Sports Coverage: Usual, reasonable and customary charges
Patriot Exchange Insurance

2. Student Health Advantage Insurance

  • Standard plan:
  • Per Injury: Up to $350.
  • Per Illness only if admitted In-patient: Up to $350.
  • Platinum plan:
  • Per Injury: Up to $750.
  • Per Illness only if admitted In-patient: Up to $750.
  • For intercollegiate, interscholastic, intramural, or club sports, the period of coverage limit per illness or injury is $5,000
Student Health Advantage insurance

3. Student Journey Insurance

  • Offers optional adventure rider for individuals and their dependents, up to the age of 65.
  • Up to age 49: $50,000 maximum limit per injury or illness
  • Ages 50 – 59: $30,000 maximum limit per injury or illness
  • Ages 60 – 64: $15,000 maximum limit per injury or illness
Student Journey insurance

Student medical insurance for leisure sports

A few sports are not really classified as organized, extreme/adventure, or contact sports. If you participate in a sport just for activity or for enjoyment, it is typically classified as Recreational, Leisure, or Fitness Sports.

All four levels of the Student Secure plans (Smart, Budget, Select, and Elite) offer coverage for leisure, recreational, entertainment, or fitness activities.

What factors determine the cost of sports insurance for student athletes?

The main factors that influence the cost of sports health insurance for international students include:

  • Age of the student athlete: Younger students usually pay lower premiums, while costs increase with age due to higher medical risk.
  • Type of sport covered: High risk sports (e.g. football, basketball, martial arts) tend to have higher premiums than for lower risk or recreational activities.
  • Policy duration: Short-term student sports insurance plans may be cheaper, but annual policies offer more comprehensive benefits at a higher cost.
  • Coverage maximums: Student athlete insurance coverage plans that cover high medical maximums for sport-related injuries will usually have a higher premium.
  • Deductibles & Co-insurance: A lower deductible and co-insurance percentage can reduce out-of-pocket expenses but have a higher premium.
  • Additional benefits: Some optional add-on benefits like adventure sports, mental health coverage, physical therapy, or rehabilitation after an injury can increase total cost.
  • University vs Private health insurance plans: University sponsored plans may have great sports coverage, but usually, cost more. Private student health insurance plans may have coverage to meet your required standards while being more affordable and flexible.
  • Coverage region: Sports health insurance for international students costs can vary depending on the location of your sports activities. Student athlete insurance coverage within the U.S. will generally be more expensive than in many other countries.

What should I look for in student athlete health insurance?

When choosing international student insurance for sports injuries, it is important to select an insurer that provides adequate coverage for sports and academic activities. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a sports health insurance for students:

  • Sports coverage eligibility and scope: Make sure the plan covers organized sports such as intercollegiate, intramural, or club sports and cover injuries related to your specific sport, including high-risk or contact activities, during practices and competitions.
  • Coverage for common sport injuries: Ensure your student health insurance plan with sports coverage provides coverage for sprains, fractures, concussions, dislocations, and other injuries typically suffered while participating in sports.
  • Emergency medical and Evacuation benefits: Choose a student health insurance for college athletes that covers emergency room visits, ambulance service and medical evacuation if the student needs advanced treatment that may not be available locally.
  • Access to a PPO network: Select athletic insurance coverage that offers access to a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network. Access to a PPO network means that the student can receive care from a broad network of hospitals, clinics, and specialists, often at reduced out-of-pocket costs. Additional it is important to have PPO access, especially if the student travels for sports events or lives in an area away from large cities.
  • Availability of rehabilitation and Physical therapy: Recovering is equally important as treating. Look for health insurance for athletes that have rehabilitation and physical therapy coverage as part of post-injury care.

By considering these above factors you can compare and buy the best health insurance for international students with sports coverage on American Visitor Insurance. Select a provider who has accessible online claims, provides 24/7 support, and has multilingual services – an important factor in working with international student athletes.

Also, review the list of exclusions for sports as a few high-contact sports, or extreme sports (football, skiing, martial arts, or rock climbing), may not be covered, or covered but may require additional rider.

International student athlete insurance USA FAQ’s

1. Who needs student health insurance with sports coverage?

Any student who actively participates in organized sports or athletic activities, whether through school teams, clubs, or extracurricular programs, should consider getting international student sports insurance. It offers essential protection for sports-related injuries that may occur during their activities, ensuring access to medical care without unexpected financial burdens.

2. Does international student insurance cover sports injuries?

Most international student health insurance plans for students studying in the USA do include coverage for sports injuries, but you must understand that limitations and exclusions may apply depending upon the specific plan and type of sports activity.

The types of sports covered under student health insurance plans vary by provider and policy, but generally include coverage for:

  • Organized sports: Many plans include coverage for injuries incurred while participating in organized sports (intercollegiate, intramural, or club sports).
  • Recreational sports: Some plans do include coverage for recreational, leisure or fitness activities.
  • Comprehensive medical expenses: This includes Emergency treatment, hospitalizations and surgeries related to the injury.
  • Rehabilitation: Most plans do allow physical therapy and rehabilitation coverage as part of your recovery.

3. Does the insurance cover pre-existing sports injuries?

Coverage for pre-existing sports injuries may vary depending on the insurance provider and policy. Some policies may offer limited or no coverage for pre-existing injuries, while others may provide partial or full coverage after a waiting period. Review the policy details to understand coverage for pre-existing sports injuries.

4. Does the insurance cover sports-related concussions?

Coverage for sports-related concussions may be included in the policy, but it's essential to check the specific terms. Some policies may cover concussion evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation, while others may have limitations or require additional coverage.

5. Is there a waiting period before coverage begins?

Waiting periods are common in insurance policies, including those for sports coverage. A waiting period is a specified time during which the insurance coverage for certain injuries may not apply. Check with the insurance provider to determine if there is a waiting period and how long it lasts.

6. Can students choose their healthcare providers for sports injuries?

Insurance plans often have a network of preferred providers, including healthcare professionals with expertise in sports medicine. Students can typically choose from these in-network providers to receive maximum benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs.

7. How long does student sports insurance coverage last?

The duration of coverage for student insurance for sports coverage typically aligns with the policy's effective dates. Coverage begins on the policy's start date and ends on the policy's expiration date, as specified in the insurance contract.

8. Can I join a university sports team without having sports insurance?

In most instances, no universities usually require students obtain sports health insurance prior to participating on a sports team, especially for intercollegiate or competitive sports. Most schools require insurance in order for the student to have financial protection in the event that an injury occurs while participating in practice, sports, travel, etc.

Here’s why sports insurance is often mandatory:

  • Protects students from exorbitant medical costs associated with injuries that result in sports activities.
  • Provides basic university / athletic department policy compliance.
  • Some universities may even require proof of specific sports coverage or waiver to be submitted if the student chooses not to buy university sponsored plan.

What are the tips for choosing a sports insurance policy?

Here are some tips for choosing a school sports insurance policy:

  • Compare various insurance providers and policies to find one that meets your specific sports participation needs.
  • Ensure the policy covers the specific types of sports you will be involved in, including any high-risk or extreme sports.
  • Look for a plan with a high enough maximum benefit to cover potential medical expenses from serious injuries.
  • If you prefer a plan with a lower premium and higher deductible or vice versa, considering your budget and potential out-of-pocket costs.
  • Carefully review the terms and conditions, including exclusions, limitations, and waiting periods, to understand what is covered.
  • Look for policies that offer extra benefits, such as rehabilitation coverage, loss of income, or coverage for multiple sports.

How do I purchase sports insurance for international students?

  • Complete the student insurance quote request form by providing details of the student and insurance requirements.
  • Compare and evaluate different plans based on coverage limits, premiums, and specific sports included. Ensure the plan meets your needs and budget.
  • Choose a plan that includes a sports rider if necessary. This rider can enhance coverage for specific sports activities, with options for low, medium, or high-risk sports.
  • Purchase the plan that fits your needs and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.
  • Review the best sports insurance for international students, documents received by email closely for coverage details and relevant contact numbers

What is excluded from student athlete medical insurance plans?

Student athlete medical insurance plans for students often have exclusions that differ from one provider to another. Common exclusions include:

  • High-risk or extreme sports: Extreme sports, such as skydiving, scuba diving, rock climbing, bungee jumping, or motor racing, are typically excluded unless they are specifically included or added through a rider.
  • Professional sports participation: If the student is paid or compensated to play (including endorsing), the coverage will typically be excluded.
  • Non-school-related sports: If a student athlete becomes injured in an unsanctioned event, or during an informal play activity and the event or activity is not sanctioned by the school or institution, it may be considered non-covered.
  • Pre-existing sports injuries: Unless the plan has a pre-existing condition waiver after the plan's waiting period, prior injuries or conditions may also be excluded.
  • Intentional self-harm or substance-related injuries: Any injuries that occur while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or those that occur due to reckless behavior, are usually excluded from coverage.

US student insurance coverage for athletic-related injuries

Hi,
Your name came up on a web article as I was researching insurance policies available to student athletes attending American universities.
Our daughter (age 17; will turn 18 in Aug.) will be attending university in Wisconsin. We are Canadian residents in Nova Scotia, but she is a dual U.S./Candian citizen. She is planning to play on the university's women's basketball team, and the season lasts approximately 5 months, from Nov to March.
According to NCAA athletic association rules, she must provide evidence of insurance that includes coverage for athletic-related injuries, with a coverage limit of at least $90,000. She has medical insurance that covers her in the U.S., but not for intercollegiate athletics.
I wondered if you might be able to provide a quote for a policy that would cover her as a university athlete in the U.S.

Regards,
Marge Garren
Dear Marge Garren,
Thank you for contacting us at American Visitor Insurance for your Student sports insurance needs!
If you are interested in the student plans which include coverage for intercollegiate sports, then you can refer to the below link for that information. You can get an idea of cost and options by putting your information here: Student insurance.
Some student insurance plans exclude coverage for Intercollegiate sports governed by NCAA for most F1 visa students.
The only plan that covers NCAA college sports is the Diplomat America Insurance with the rider.
Please let us know if we can help you in any further.

Regards,
Customer care
www.americanvisitorinsurance.com
877 340 7910

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