Medical Insurance and Medical Billing Information
Student-Athlete Insurance Policy
Participation in intercollegiate athletics carries with it the inherent risk of injuries. When such injuries occur, the University of South Dakota cannot assume indefinite responsibility for continuing medical care that might be subsequently required. Subject to the limitations stated hereinafter, however, the University of South Dakota does accept certain obligations.
University Obligations
When a student-athlete is injured during the official NCAA playing and practice season, sanctioned competition or University sponsored travel to or from competition under the University of South Dakota’s athletic department auspices, the University will provide the following assistance to the injured student. For purposes of this policy, University sanctioned athletic activity includes all practices on university or shared community facilities authorized by a coach, and any events to which an athlete travels with University support or financial assistance.
- All student-athletes must have their own medical insurance. The University of South Dakota’s athletics department assists in the coordination of insurance benefits, whereby the student-athlete’s own, parents’ or legal guardians’ insurance is primary and the institution’s is secondary.
- Approved medical costs associated with the injury must be submitted to the student-athlete’s personal insurance policy. The university will cover costs during the current academic year of the student-athlete’s enrollment that exceed the $3,000.00 deductible of the insurance plan.
- The University of South Dakota reserves the first right to obtain medical opinions from medical staff of its choice about the injury and the necessity and reasonableness of any particular treatment of an injury.
- If the student-athlete seeks a second opinion from a physician other than a South Dakota team physician, and the second opinion confirms the opinion of a team physician, South Dakota will only provide financial assistance for charges associated with the services performed by a South Dakota team physician.
Limitations
The foregoing is subject to the following limitations:
- All treatment of injuries must be authorized or administered by the University of South Dakota. Any outside treatment obtained by an injured athlete without the University’s authorization will be the financial responsibility of the student-athlete.
- Any athlete injured in events or competition not conducted or sanctioned by the university is not eligible for financial medical assistance.
- If an injured athlete withdraws or graduates from South Dakota, the provision of medical care and financial medical assistance will be terminated.
- No provisions of this policy shall be interpreted to conflict with applicable NCAA rules and regulations.
- The benefit period for the insurance program offered by USD Athletics has a two (2) year time frame in which to incur expenses. No expenses are covered after two years.
For further information or questions concerning insurance/billing please contact Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Medicine, Colby Keegan.
