The Ontario healthcare system is robust, however it has a few gaps in the care OHIP can provide. We all recognize those gaps when it comes to Eye Care and Dental Care, however another big gap is in Sport Injury Management.
A Major Injury (such as a torn ACL) can require both OHIP covered services (doctors visits, x-rays, MRI, surgery) but also could require extensive rehabilitation with a clinical therapist which is not covered by OHIP. Even with an extended health plan (through employment), this can become a huge expense out of pocket. Without adequate rehabilitation though, the injury can become a lifelong difficulty!
Even minor injuries or overuse injuries like shin splint sor sprained ankles can become expensive in a very short amount of time. It is an unfortunate reality of our public health system.
BUT there are affordable options to mitigate this risk of expense!
Having seen first hand the expense associated with quality rehab, we at Guelph Performance strongly suggest any student athlete (especially those participating in contact sports like football, hockey or wrestling) enroll in one of the following affordable insurance programs.
Canadian Athlete Insurance Program (CAIP)
CAIP has been around since the 80’s and is well known among elite athletes and national sports organizations, but is available to every single athlete in Canada!
What is it?
CAIP is designed to be a primary insurance for those who do not have access to benefits, or a supplement for those who tend to use up their coverage during the year. It has two choices for coverage:
1) Accident Coverage Only – Starts at $25 – covers expenses such as Athletic Therapy, and more severe expenses like ambulance costs, special transportation, medical equipment etc. in case of a traumatic injury that takes place during your sport.
2) Accident and Overuse Coverage – Starts at $235 per year – covers all expenses in the Accident Only category, but also covers Athletic Therapy and Chiropractic care for overuse injuries.
- when seeing a therapist in clinic, only $50 per treatment is covered
- treatment must be paid for and submitted for reimbursement
- you don’t need to see a doctor to make a claim for clinical treatment! Your Athletic Therapist can fill out most of the forms needed
- you must use any other insurance available first, before claiming to CAIP. If you do not have Athletic Therapy coverage, you can use CAIP first, and save your other coverage for other needs.
How do I sign up?
The forms to register and pay are available on this website.
There is no application for enrollment (medical history is not required), however the insurance is linked to participation in a sporting organization. The registration form must have the contact name of an official with the team or organization (such as a coach, manager, director etc.). If you participate in more than one contact sport, it’s recommended to purchase option 1 for one, and option 2 for the second!
How do I make a claim?
The forms to make a claim are available on the website. At the first assessment following injury, your therapist will fill out the form with you. You then need to collect a signature from the individual from the organization that authorized your initial application, and send that and your receipt in for reimbursement. Reimbursement is made via a cheque or a direct deposit to your bank account.
Some accident services for major injuries require the form to be filled out by a physician — information about this is on the website, or your Athletic Therapist can guide you.
Study Insured Student Accident Insurance
This program has been accredited by Upper Grand District School Board – Public Schools in Guelph. It costs between $17 and $33 per year, and covers ACCIDENTS that occur whether at school or not.
This plan covers a variety of medical needs following an accident, including emergency transport, dental, glasses replacement, medical appliances etc.
To highlight one section: Paramedical
When deemed essential on an emergency basis and accompanied by a written referral from a Physician, the services of a licensed chiropractor, osteopath, physiotherapist, athletic therapist, or registered nurse to a maximum of $100 per visit up to the amount stated in the Schedule of Maximum Benefits for all providers. ($500-$800 depending on plan for Athletic Therapy).
If a student athlete sustains an injury, whether at school or not, keep all receipts, documentation from hospital, and a record of the incident so you can accurately fill out a claim form!
How do I sign up?
Registration is found on the website here:
https://www.studyinsuredstudentaccident.com/
How do I make a claim?
There is a claim form online, to be filled out following injury with witnesses and details of injury. Receipts for costs incurred are submitted for reimbursement.
Other options?
There are other insurance plans that you may be enrolled in through sports organizations. These plans only cover accidents that occur during sanctioned events, but can be very helpful in the case of a catastrophic injury.
You can find more information about these options here.
As always, we hope that you do not sustain an injury during sport, but if you do, having an insurance plan in place can prevent financial hardship, or having to de-prioritize rehab.
Have you sustained an injury during sports? Get in touch to talk about next steps! At Guelph Performance we are able to fill out most forms for you, and have Athletic Therapy, Massage Therapy and Chiropractic practitioners ready to help you!
