Saint Michael’s College Athletic

Athletic Training

To: Student-Athletes, Parents/Guardians of Saint Michael’s College Student-Athletes

From: Renee Breault, Head Athletic Trainer

Re: Saint Michael’s College Varsity Athletics and Insurance Information

Student-Athletes, Parents/Guardians. Please take a few moments to review the following information.

Despite our very best preventative efforts athletic injuries will occur, many of which will require specialty medical services outside the care of Saint Michael’s College Athletic Training Department. It is important then, that you fully understand the policies regarding medical insurance coverage for athletic injuries.

In order to participate in varsity athletics, all student-athletes must provide proof of current health insurance coverage. All students enrolled at Saint Michael’s College must also show proof of Health Insurance Coverage (i.e. Consolidated Health Plans (CHP) purchased through Saint Michael’s College) or be covered under a comparable private health insurance plan. Coverage provided by the Saint Michael’s College plan (as may your own private health insurance coverage plan) is subject to specific policy, terms, and conditions and may include restrictions and/or exclusions of which you should be aware of. To learn more about Saint Michael’s College Student Health Insurance plan contact Consolidated Health Plans at 800-633-7867.

Saint Michael’s College Athletics and its Athletic Training department strongly urge all student-athletes and their parents/guardians to look closely at their current primary health insurance plan as well as the Saint Michael’s College student health insurance plan and determine which plan will provide the most comprehensive and appropriate access to care and benefits as a student-athlete during your 4 year athletic career. With athletic participation often come athletic related injuries that require specialty medical services and diagnostic tests.

As previously mentioned, all student-athletes MUST have coverage through a primary health insurer to avoid possible, significant out of pocket expenses in the event of an athletic injury. Saint Michael’s College is NOT responsible for any expenses incurred due to the result of a sports-related injury. If your current insurance policy does not provide coverage in Saint Michael’s College area, or allow your son/daughter to be seen by medical specialists for their athletic injuries/illnesses, we encourage you to consider adding an “away from home” rider to your current insurance plan or to consider purchasing a local plan such as Saint Michael’s College Student Health Plan mentioned above.

If a significant injury does occur, Saint Michael’s College carries an Athletic Sport Excess Policy, which may help cover eligible expenses after the per-injury deductible of $2,000 has been met. For more information on Saint Michael’s College Athletic Sport excess policy and its specific conditions and limitations, please see the Athletic Training policies and procedures on the SMC Athletics website under the Athletic Training link.

In addition, the NCAA’s Catastrophic Injury Program covers student-athletes who are catastrophically injured while participating in a covered intercollegiate athletic activity (subject to all policy terms and conditions). The policy has a $90,000 maximum policy benefit and is supplemental coverage should a catastrophic injury occur. More information on this program can be found on the NCAA’s website at

If you should have any questions about the above information, please contact me, Renee Breault at or at 802-654-2496.

The below chart summarizes the order of Insurance coverage for Saint Michael’s College student-athletes:

Order of Coverage / Type of Insurance / How insurance is purchased / Policy Deductible / Max Payable Policy / Insurance Company
1st line of coverage / Student’s Primary Insurance / Student must have their own health insurance coverage or purchase coverage through Saint Michael’s College / Varies depending on plan / Varies / Varied
2nd line of coverage / Athletic Accident Sport Coverage / Saint Michael’s College purchases this policy on behalf of its varsity student-athletes / $2,000 / $90,000 / Mutual of Omaha
3rd line of coverage / NCAA Catastrophic Insurance / The NCAA provides this supplemental insurance to student-athletes / $90,000 / Max: $250,000 / See ncaa.com

Please be ADVISED:

  • You should check with your insurance provider to verify that your policy covers athletic related injuries! Your primary health insurance plan MUST cover up to $2,000 of any medical expenses or significant out of pocket expenses can occur.
  • Please inform and update the Athletic Training department with any change in your primary health insurance plan/company during the school year. This is vital to ensure that we maintain proper information on file!
  • DO NOT drop dependent coverage while your son or daughter is participating in intercollegiate athletics. Most employer’s group insurance allows dependent coverage to be continued up to age 26, if the dependent is a full-time student.
  • If necessary please remember to apply for “out-of-network coverage” with your insurance company for your son/daughter while they are enrolled in college at Saint Michael’s. Or purchase Saint Michael’s College student health plan which is managed by Consolidated Health Plan.
  • Saint Michael’s College Athletic department DOES NOT pay medical bills or file claims with your individual primary insurance provider on behalf of your son or daughter. Medical bills mailed directly to the student-athlete from a health care provider must not be ignored. Submit your accident (injury) claim form to your primary insurance provider in accordance with their claim procedure.