So How DO Olympic Athletes Get Health Insurance?

We’re as gripped by Olympic fever as anyone, so we thought we’d share this interesting article by Kaiser Health News on EAHI, the health insurance plan offered to U.S. Olympic athletes:

According to Hutchinson, EAHI can help cover athletes above and beyond what they may have on these private insurance plans. For example, he said, the USOC likely offers better coverage of health care provided outside of the U.S.

Olympians might also look beyond EAHI because of the program’s limitations. Eligibility for the health plan is determined annually, and athletes’ performance or rankings can change. EAHI also has a $25,000 deductible for sports injuries, according to recent plan information from the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association. The large deductible and athletes’ high risk of injury may drive them toward other insurance options.

Members of the gymnastics team often have at least two other forms of coverage, said John Hewett, chief financial officer for USA Gymnastics. Gymnasts – usually among the youngest Olympians – are often on their parents’ health plans. They also have secondary protection through an accident insurance plan, funded by USA Gymnastics, which covers potential injuries during training and competition.

The latter ensures gymnasts have coverage for something particularly devastating, such as a paralyzing injury. According to Hutchinson, this kind of catastrophic coverage is common among sports groups that want to avoid potential lawsuits.

Olympians Face Unique Health Insurance Options

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