Health Insurance Policy

Intercollegiate athletics constitutes a potentially dangerous activity involving risks of injury. Those dangers and risks of playing or practicing include, but are not limited to, death, severe neck and spinal injuries which may cause partial or complete paralysis, brain damage, severe internal injury, severe injury to bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and other aspects of the musculoskeletal system. It is understood that such injury may result in serious impairment of future abilities to earn a living, engage in other businesses, and generally enjoy life.    

Due to the above risks of injury and required by the state of Massachusetts, every student-athlete must be covered by individual or parental medical insurance to defray the costs of significant injury or illness. Suffolk University Health Services requires each student to provide proof of insurance. Suffolk University Athletic Training Department requires each student-athlete to enter accurate up-to-date primary insurance information and pictures of insurance cards on their ATS profile.   

Suffolk University uses AG Administrators as their secondary athletic insurance carrier. This is an excess policy which covers only what has been denied by nor not paid for by the student-athlete’s primary insurance carrier. This excess policy is for athletic accidents only.   

1. The secondary medical insurance coverage is an excess insurance for all injuries that are directly related to participation in University sponsored intercollegiate athletics.  
2. Non-sport related injuries will not be covered by this secondary insurance, including illness and those injuries sustained outside of formal intercollegiate athletic events, including but not limited to at-home activities, class, and campus recreation activities.   
3. NCAA Bylaws state that only injury related directly to participation in intercollegiate athletics may be financed by the member institution.    

Athletic Related Injury or Illness  

Any injury or illness directly related to participating in Suffolk University athletics is the responsibility of the Suffolk University Athletic Training Staff. The Athletic Training staff will use all reasonable means necessary to care for an athlete’s well-being.  Injuries or illnesses directly related to participating in a supervised intercollegiate activity will be billed to the Suffolk University secondary insurance policy AFTER the athlete’s primary insurance has been billed.    

Dental and eye injuries that are only directly related to participation in intercollegiate athletics will be covered by the institution’s secondary insurance.    

If an athlete sustains and injury while traveling to and from athletic events in Suffolk University provided transportation (bus, athletic vans), that injury will be covered by the institution’s secondary insurance.  

Suffolk University Athletic Training Staff will submit the appropriate claims in a timely manner.   

Athletes are responsible obtaining the secondary insurance policy information form, and bringing to all appointments to ensure providers are aware of the secondary insurance policy.    

Non-Athletic Related or Previous Injury or Illness  

Treatment will not be withheld from any student-athlete, regardless of the mechanism of injury or illness. An injury or illness NOT DIRECTLY related to intercollegiate athletic activity is NOT the financial responsibility of Suffolk University Athletics. All medical bills will be the responsibility of the student-athlete.    

Secondary Medical Opinions 

Every student-athlete is entitled to a second opinion. If the student-athlete sees another physician or anyone not referred to by the team physician and/or physician assistant, they assume the responsibility for all expenses.   

If the student-athlete wishes to be evaluated, treated, or rehabilitated by different medical facility or personnel, they may do so. However, once a student-athlete elects to render the services or opinions of outside agencies without a referral from the Suffolk University Athletic Training staff, then the student-athlete is under their care. Furthermore, the student-athlete must submit a written release from their own physician to participate in any Suffolk University related athletic activity prior to any participation. Any and all financial responsibilities regarding the injury will be left to the student-athlete.