Florida High School Sports: Insurance Necessity

In Florida, high school sports insurance is mandated by the Florida High School Athletic Association, which requires each school to have a medical base plan of $25,000 per athlete. This insurance is intended to act as secondary insurance, covering students who are not insured by their families and protecting schools from potential lawsuits. The cost of this insurance varies from county to county, with some counties offering different rates and plans. For example, in Pinellas County, there are two rates: a low option of $70 and a high option of $120. In Hillsborough County, it costs $50 to insure a child. This insurance is not intended to replace primary medical insurance but rather to cover some of the out-of-pocket expenses associated with accidents.

The Florida High School Athletic Association mandates a $25,000 medical base plan per athlete

The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) mandates that each school must have a $25,000 medical base plan per athlete before the student can participate in sports. This insurance is intended to act as secondary health insurance, providing coverage for students who do not have personal or family insurance. It also serves as protection for school districts against potential lawsuits arising from sports-related injuries.

While the FHSAA sets this minimum requirement, rates across the state of Florida can differ from county to county. For example, in Hillsborough County, it costs $50 to insure a child, regardless of the sport they are playing. On the other hand, Pinellas County offers two different rates: a low option of $70 and a high option of $120. These rates may vary based on the type of sport and the associated risks.

The FHSAA Consent and Release from Liability Certificate (EL3) is a crucial document in this process. Each athlete is required to have this form, along with a current copy of their insurance card, on file in their high school's Athletic Department. This ensures that the school is aware of the type of insurance coverage each athlete has. Additionally, a Consent to Treat Form from the relevant health system, such as Broward Health or Memorial Hospital District, must also be on file.

It is important to note that student accident insurance, or sports insurance, is typically considered excess insurance. It is designed to cover some of the out-of-pocket expenses associated with accidents and is not meant to replace primary medical insurance. In the event of an injury, any other medical insurance policy held by the student or their family will be expected to pay first, with the excess student accident insurance policy covering additional costs.

The specific requirements and procedures for claiming this insurance may vary depending on the county and school district. For example, in Pinellas County, the policy and claims administrator is Health Special Risk Inc. (HSR), and there are specific timelines that must be followed for a claim to be considered valid. These include seeking medical treatment within 30 days of the accident and submitting a complete claim form within 90 days of the accident.

In Pinellas County, there are two rates: $70 and $120

In Pinellas County, Florida, there are two rates for high school sports insurance: $70 and $120. This insurance is mandatory for students participating in certain school activities, including sports. The Pinellas County School Board, like most school boards in Florida, requires students to have this coverage, even if they are already covered by another medical plan. This is to ensure that all student athletes have secondary health insurance, protecting the school district from potential lawsuits.

The lower rate of $70 is a basic option, while the higher rate of $120 offers more comprehensive coverage. This insurance is designed to cover some of the out-of-pocket expenses associated with accidents that occur during school-sponsored events, including sports practices and competitions. It is important to note that this insurance is not intended to replace primary medical insurance. Any other medical insurance policy will be expected to pay first, and the student accident insurance will cover some of the additional expenses.

The insurance carrier for Pinellas County Schools is ACE American Insurance Company, and the policy and claims administrator is Health Special Risk Inc. (HSR). To make a claim, a student must seek medical treatment within 30 days of the accident, and an emergency room visit must occur within 72 hours. The claim form must be signed by a school official and postmarked within 90 days of the accident.

While the rates differ between counties in Florida, the type of secondary insurance offered is similar. For example, in Hillsborough County, it costs $50 to insure a child playing football, and this rate applies to all sports. In Pinellas County, the rates vary depending on the level of coverage desired, with the $70 rate being more affordable, and the $120 rate providing more comprehensive protection.

In Hillsborough County, sports insurance covers the co-pay on your existing insurance

In the state of Florida, the Florida High School Athletic Association mandates that each school has a medical base plan of $25,000 per athlete before the student can even step foot on the field of play. However, rates differ across the state from county to county. In Hillsborough County, it costs $50 to insure a child for sports. Lanness Robinson, the Hillsborough County athletic director, explains that "whatever sport you're playing, you pay that cost".

In Hillsborough County, sports insurance is not a replacement for primary medical insurance. It functions as a secondary insurance, covering the co-pay on the insurance that one already has. Melanie Parra, spokeswoman for Pinellas County schools, explains that "on the field, during practice in any school-sponsored event, that's what this secondary insurance is for so there are details with in the contract with the organization there is a certain level of coverage there".

Parra further elaborates on the purpose of sports insurance, stating that "a student might come to us and sign up for a sport. Maybe their family circumstances change and maybe they don't have that health insurance coverage but at least we know all our student athletes have this secondary health insurance". This insurance also serves to protect school districts from potential lawsuits.

Hillsborough County Public Schools offer a range of insurance benefits for their employees, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options. These benefits are comprehensive and recognised by the Wellness Council of America at the Gold level.

In Broward County, athletes must have a FHSAA Consent and Release from Liability Certificate on file

In the state of Florida, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) mandates that each school must have a medical base plan of $25,000 per athlete before they can participate in any sports. However, rates and requirements can differ from county to county within the state. For example, in Broward County, athletes must have a FHSAA Consent and Release from Liability Certificate on file. This means that in the event of an injury, the school district is protected from potential lawsuits, as the athlete has waived their right to hold the school liable for any injuries sustained while playing sports. This is a precaution taken by the school district to ensure they are not held responsible for any costly medical expenses that may arise due to sports-related injuries.

In other counties, such as Pinellas and Hillsborough, there are different approaches to insurance for high school sports. In Pinellas County, there is a misunderstanding that an injured athlete without primary health insurance would be fully covered by sports insurance. However, the Northeast head football coach, Jeremy Frioud, clarifies that this is not the case. He explains that the sports insurance typically covers the co-pay on the athlete's existing insurance policy. This means that it acts as a secondary insurance, supplementing the primary insurance that the athlete already has in place.

On the other hand, Hillsborough County offers a flat rate of $50 for sports insurance, regardless of the sport the student is playing. This insurance serves as primary insurance for those without existing coverage and as secondary insurance for those who already have health insurance. It is important to note that in both Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, parents are responsible for reporting claims to the representing insurance company, and there may be specific requirements for the percentage of medical expenses covered.

While the FHSAA sets a statewide mandate for medical coverage, the implementation varies across Florida's counties. Each county adjusts its insurance requirements, rates, and coverage based on its unique circumstances and the needs of its student-athletes. These variations aim to balance the need to protect students' well-being and provide financial security in the event of sports-related injuries.

Accident/injury insurance can be purchased from a School Board-approved vendor

In Florida, the law mandates that each school must have a medical base plan of $25,000 per athlete before they can play. However, the cost of insuring a child varies from county to county. For example, in Pinellas County, there are two rates: a low option of $70 and a high option of $120. In Hillsborough County, it costs $50 to insure a child.

In Pinellas County, Student Accident Insurance is available for K-12 and PTC students enrolled in Pinellas County Schools. Coverage is mandatory for students participating in sports and certain extracurricular activities. The plan can be purchased at any time during the school year, and 24-hour/12-month coverage is available.

In Hillsborough County, parents can sign up for insurance to cover their children's athletic activities. This insurance will cover a percentage of medical expenses in the event of an injury.

The process for purchasing student accident insurance varies depending on the county and school district. In some cases, parents may need to create an account, add their student's information, and select the appropriate coverage. In other cases, parents may need to contact the school's Athletic Director or Athletic Department to purchase insurance from a School Board-approved vendor. It is important to note that athletes participating in tackle football must purchase the policy from the approved School Board vendor for football.

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