A Note Concerning Athletic Insurance Coverage at Dartmouth

Dear Dartmouth Parent / Guardian, Athletes,

On behalf of the Sports Medicine staff and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, welcome to the 2003 ­ 2004 Dartmouth athletics season. Each of us looks forward to a safe and successful season for all of our student athletes. The Sports Medicine department is committed to providing excellent athletic medical service to Dartmouth student athletes as they seek excellence in their chosen sports.

The Dartmouth Sports Medicine staff, who report directly to the Director of Health Services, consists of eight full-time certified athletic trainers, each of whom is assigned to specific sports teams throughout the year. In addition, we provide an orthopedic clinic in our Davis Varsity House athletic training room several afternoons each week. The orthopedic clinics are staffed by senior orthopedic residents from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, and work under the direction of Dr. Charles Carr the Dartmouth orthopedic team physician. The Athletic Training staff also works closely with the health care providers at "Dick Hall's House", the College Health Service, to ensure quality medical care. All services rendered by the Athletic Training staff, as well as appointments in our "Varsity House Clinic" are provided free of charge, including routine x-rays, taken at the College Health Service.

Despite our best preventative efforts athletic injuries will occur, many of which will require specialty medical services outside of the Sports Medicine department. It is very important that you fully understand the Dartmouth College policy regarding medical insurance coverage for athletic injuries. Dartmouth College does not provide, or carry additional medical insurance coverage for intercollegiate athletes or any other special activities group. (The one exception to this policy would be in the event of a catastrophic injury in which medical expenses exceed $65,000*). Otherwise all medical expenses incurred (including deductibles, co-payments and other charges) for treatment of athletic related injuries is the responsibility of the student athlete. This includes expenses related to MRI's, bone scans, lab tests, hospitalization, surgery, emergency room services, emergency transportation, physical therapy, chiropractic care or other alternative treatments, lost corrective lenses, or medications to treat injuries, illnesses or other medical conditions. This policy applies regardless of whether or not the injury was sustained in a formal practice or competition while representing Dartmouth College, either on our campus or while visiting another institution.

All Dartmouth students are required to provide proof of medical insurance upon entrance to Dartmouth. Full-time students at Dartmouth must either enroll in the Dartmouth Student Group Health Plan (DSGHP) or have an approved waiver for coverage under an existing family medical insurance policy.

We understand that this is an important issue for our student athletes and their families. However, we do recommend that our student athletes strongly consider the DSGHP in order for our sports medicine staff to provide the most efficient care. Many health plans exclude benefits for competitive sports participation. Please review your own personal medical insurance policy prior to making this important decision regarding medical insurance. Be aware that when purchasing the DSGHP, deductibles and co-payments are still in effect.

More detailed information regarding DSGHP and other information detailing College Health Service policies were sent to you in a separate mailing. This information is also available on the web site http://www.dartmouth.edu/~health/insurance.html. If you should have any questions regarding this information please feel free to contact us, or if you would like information on the DSGHP call (603) 650-1438, or email at DSGHP@dartmouth.edu.

Sincerely,

Jeff Frechette

Head Athletic Trainer

(603) 646-2472

There is a Catastrophic Injury Insurance Program, which covers medical, expenses exceeding $65,000. Coverage would take effect for eligible expenses in excess of;

NCAA Varsity Athletics ­ $65,000

Club Sports - $30,000