Athletics Training Services and Insurance Policy

Student-Athlete Medical Insurance Policies and Procedures:

As your student-athlete prepares for an exciting year of school and competition at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, we ask that you take a moment to review the following statements regarding student-athlete injuries and medical insurance protocol:

OPSU provides preventative conditioning programs and routine medical care though our athletic training staff and team physicians in coordination with our coaching staffs. However, the risk of occasional injury is a part of athletic participation. Unfortunately, there is sometimes a need for extensive diagnostic and surgical procedures, which may require hospitalization and long-term physical therapy.

When a student-athlete becomes ill or injured, any group or personal insurance, which is required by OPSU, must be considered primary insurance. Our healthcare providers are asked to file claims directly with that insurance carrier. While OPSU Athletics is not an insurance carrier, we will forward to our Third Party Administrator any balances, including deductible or co-payments on claims directly related to injuries resulting from participation in intercollegiate sport after primary insurance has been considered for payment.

There is sometimes confusion about exactly what type of expenses an institution can pay, either as a part of a co-payment on an insurance claim or outright as the primary payer. However, NCAA rules are very clear on non-permissible medical expenses. Non-permissible is defined as those expenses that may not be financed by the institution. The NCAA does not allow OPSU or any other member institution to pay for any injury or illness that is not a direct result of supervised practice, conditioning or competition. Additionally, our policies specific to insurance coverage are consistent with the majority of Division 2 schools.


General Information about Insurance Policy

• Unlike automobile insurance, occasional claims against your medical insurance generally do not affect the premiums. Therefore, if you currently have coverage on your student-athlete, the University highly recommends that you maintain that coverage as long as your son/daughter is enrolled at Oklahoma Panhandle State University
  
• Your insurance company may require verification of full-time enrollment.
  
• If any of your insurance or personal information changes during the school year, please inform us as soon as possible.
  
• The OPSU Athletic Department mandates your student-athlete carry usable insurance. Please contact OPSU Athletic Training or Student Affairs for information.
  
• Additionally, NCAA guidelines prohibit an institution from paying for a many medical services. Should your student-athlete become ill or be injured outside of practice or competition, you primary insurance will help limit the cost of necessary medical treatment.
  
• Filing an insurance information form is mandatory for participation in intercollegiate athletics at OPSU. In other words, you student-athlete will not be cleared to receive equipment, to practice, or to participate in intercollegiate athletics at Oklahoma Panhandle State University until this form is on file.