The primary responsibility for insurance coverage for injuries incurred while participating in intercollegiate athletics rests with the individual student-athlete and his or her family.

What is the insurance requirement at the University of Chicago?

For more information or questions about the 2008-09 Student Insurance, please refer to the following resources:

Website: studenthealth.uchicago.edu/studentinsurance
E-mail: healthaffairs@uchicago.edu
Phone: 866-348-8472 (Toll-free number for United Healthcare Student Resources student insurance customer service representative.

How do I check my insurance for comparability with the University of Chicago insurance requirement?

The first thing you and your parents should do is to call your insurance plan and ask the following questions:

1. What are my benefits at the University of Chicago?
   
   
2. Is the University of Chicago Hospitals a contracted provider? If not, are there any contracted providers in the Chicago area?  You should then investigate as to how close to the U of C campus the provider is located.

Additional important questions to ask your plan are:

1. Am I required to establish a Primary Care Physician in the Chicago area?  If so, are there plan contracted Physicians at the U of C Hospitals?  If not, where in the Chicago area are there contracted physicians?  Again, how close to the U of Chicago campus are they located?
   
   
2. Must I enroll in an "Away From Home" coverage plan since I am going to school in another state than my insurance plans, i.e. BC/BS?

After speaking with your insurance plan and you still have questions about benefits, you can call the University of Chicago Managed Care Office at (773) 834 - 4730 and a representative can assist you.

What is the Department of Physical Education & Athletics insurance requirement
for participation on an intercollegiate athletic sports team and how can I satisfy this requirement?

Every student-athlete must have medical insurance that is comparable to the U of C Student Accident & Sickness Insurance (SASI) plan. The insurance requirement for participation in intercollegiate athletics may be satisfied in one of two ways:

1. Enroll in the University of Chicago's Student Accident & Sickness Insurance (SASI) plan. Refer to studenthealth.uchicago.edu/studentinsurance for more information regarding University -wide insurance requirements.

2. Carry insurance coverage that is comparable to the SASI Basic Plan.

If I chose the SASI plan, how do I get coverage for the period prior to
September 1 for a fall sport athlete participating in pre-season practice?

A supplemental policy is available for purchase for this two week period and this information is available on the University web site for insurance coverage: registrar.uchicago.edu/health

What is the University of Chicago Department of Physical Education & Athletics
insurance agreement?

In order to assure that student-athletes seek prompt care for any injuries sustained while participating on an intercollegiate athletic team, the Department of Physical Education & Athletics will reimburse the student-athlete a maximum of $1,500 for out-of pocket (deductible or co-pay) expenses per school year only if the insurance is comparable to the University of Chicago SASI plan and the injury occurs while particpating in a sanctioned varsity practice or competition.

Does this reimbursement policy apply to illnesses or medical conditions
that may affect athletic participation?

The $1,500 maximum for out-of-pocket expenses is only for injuries. Many medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, sickle-cell anemia, allergies, eating disorders, etc. and illnesses such as flu and strep throat may affect a student's ability to continue practicing and competing. Tests, treatments, prescriptions, etc. for medical conditions and illnesses are the sole responsibility of the student-athlete and are not covered under the $1500 departmental reimbursement coverage.

What happens if I choose to cover my son/daughter with an insurance policy
that is not comparable to the University of Chicago SASI plan?

If you choose to cover your son/daughter under your insurance policy and your insurance is not comparable to the University of Chicago SASI plan, the Department of Physical Education & Athletics will not be responsible for any medical bills for injuries directly related to varsity sport participation incurred by your son/daughter.

How is my son/daughter covered if there is a catastrophic injury
while participating in intercollegiate athletics at The University of Chicago?

The Department of Physical Education & Athletics participates in the "NCAA Catastrophic Athletic Injury Insurance Program". This program provides lifetime medical benefits to student-athletes who are catastrophically injured during competition, practice or travel related to intercollegiate athletic participation. More information on this program may be found on the NCAA's web site at www.ncaa.org

What injuries are covered by the University of Chicago
Department of Physical Education & Athletics?

The Athletic Training Department will treat any injury directly related to intercollegiate sport participation that occurred during team travel, supervised practice, scheduled games, or while conditioning for a particular sport during the NCAA defined playing and practice season.

What is not covered by the University of Chicago
Department of Physical Education & Athletics?

The University of Chicago athletic department does not and cannot cover any personal illnesses (chronic or acute - at any time), any infection, diagnostic tests or surgery for preexisting conditions, or injuries incurred by a student/athlete outside of the NCAA practice and competition season. This includes injuries incurred in high school, recreational or intramural sports participation and during summer training.

What do I need to provide if my son/daughter has an insurance claim directly
related to an injury sustained while practicing or competing in a
University of Chicago intercollegiate sport sponsored event?

If there is a balance due on any bills from an injury that falls within the "Covered Injuries" category after the student/athlete's insurance company has made payment to the maximum allowable limit, the student and parents must provide the athletic trainers with copies of all original itemized bills and copies of all insurance company Explanation of Benefits Statement (EOBs) within 90 days of treatment. The EOBs should indicate original charges, amount paid by the insurance company and balance still due. Any bills and EOBs submitted after 90 days of the date of treatment will be the responsibility of the student/parents.Itemized Bills and Insurance Explanation of Benefits Statements must be submitted to:

Athletic Trainers - Insurance Claims
5530 S. Ellis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637

To apply for reimbursement for medical expenses you have paid, you must: (1) provide proof of payment (copy of endorsed check) and (2) provide the following signed statement: "My bank only provides photo copies of endorsed checks. We are not seeking reimbursement from any other source other than The University of Chicago."

What must I do if my son/daughters insurance policy changes
at any time throughout the school year?

If at any time during the school year there are any changes in insurance coverage, the student/athlete must notify the athletic training staff immediately. A new Emergency contact and Insurance Information form must also be submitted within 30 days of this change. You are also required to notify the Insurance Representative for the University within 30 days of your insurance changing.

What must I do if my insurance policy requires pre-certification
or pre-authorization for any services?