Does Your Health Insurance Policy Cover Sports Camp?
Whether you're planning to send your child to a sports camp in the near future or are arranging for your own stint as a sports camp coach or assistant, you may be giving some thought to the additional physical risks inherent in sports participation. While your primary health insurance policy should be able to cover the cost of any injuries you or your child sustain at camp, these policies don't always provide the most comprehensive coverage or the best "bang for your buck." Read on to learn more about some of the additional insurance coverages that are available (and advisable) when sending your child to a sports camp.
Coverage Under Your Primary Health Care Policy
Your primary health care plan provides general health coverage to you and any other family members who are listed as a "named insured." If this plan is a high-deductible health plan that qualifies you for a Health Savings Account (HSA), this could mean having to shell out thousands of dollars toward your deductible before your insurance policy picks up any portion of the cost.
On the other hand, if you're nearing the end of your plan year and have already met your deductible, your primary health plan may provide the lowest-cost coverage. Even though many plans will require you to pay a percentage of all charges incurred after you reach your deductible but before you reach your maximum annual out-of-pocket limit, these charges are usually just a small percentage of the total amount billed.
Additional Coverage Options Available
If you're not keen on the thought of having to meet your deductible before any sports camp injuries are eligible for insurance reimbursement, you may want to begin comparison shopping for a standalone sports camp insurance policy. These short-term policies are available through any number of insurance companies and can provide liability and accident medical coverage for injuries or illnesses that occur while at a sports camp. (This means that if your child is responsible for another camp attendee's injury, you'll have protection from being sued for the medical costs associated with this injury.)
Although these policies provide complementary coverage with your primary insurance policy, they can give parents and participants peace of mind that any serious injuries won't result in serious medical bills. Be sure to carefully review your policy documents and discuss your options with your insurance broker to avoid being surprised by any coverage quirks later.
Contact a sports camp insurance provider for more information.
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