The NCAA will offer member schools post-eligibility injury insurance coverage for student-athletes beginning Aug. 1, 2024, the Board of Governors announced at its meeting Tuesday.
The coverage will be for two years after student-athletes complete their college athletics experience and will cover injuries that occur while playing for their school.Â
The post-eligibility injury insurance program will be available to all student-athletes at all member schools in Divisions I, II and III.Â
In the coming months, the national office will provide members with educational/informational materials and updates on program implementation.
"Student-athletes deserve the coverage offered in this plan, no matter their division," NCAA President Charlie Baker said. "Thanks to the many voices who have supported this idea since the Division I Transformation Committee formalized it in their final recommendations earlier this year. It's another occasion where the NCAA can show its unwavering commitment to and support for student-athletes."
The board acted in response to recommendations from the Division I Transformation Committee outlining a "holistic student-athlete benefits model" that guarantees college athletes will have increased access to medical coverage for athletically related injuries for a minimum of two years after graduation or completion of their athletics experience.
The Division I Board of Directors adopted several facets of the "holistic model" earlier this year, including requiring its member schools to provide the medical coverage outlined above.Â
The policy's annual premium is projected to be $26 million. It will have a $90,000 excess limit per injury, with no deductible. There will also be limited coverage for mental health care related to the documented injury. The policy is secondary to other insurance policies.
