American Church Group - Colorado

Understand your Medical Coverage for Students & Volunteers

By Stephanie Abrell, Director of Client Experience 
American Church Group of Colorado

As we gear up for the upcoming school season, it's a fantastic opportunity to take a closer look at the coverage we offer to our beloved students and dedicated volunteers. While we strive to have all the necessary safety measures in place, it's important to acknowledge that accidents can still occur. This is where our no-fault medical coverage steps in as a real lifesaver.

Chances are, you already have no-fault medical coverage, also known as premise medical coverage, included in your policy. This remarkable feature ensures that medical expenses are covered without the need to assign blame, whether an incident happens on or off the premises during ministry activities. Here's how it works: a small upfront payment aids families with initial out-of-pocket costs. Then, their personal health insurance takes care of the applicable portion according to their policy terms. Any remaining medical expenses are covered by the remaining limit on the ministry's policy. The beauty of this coverage lies in its ability to prevent families from shouldering unexpected medical bills, and it's essential to understand that this is a goodwill gesture, not an admission of fault on the part of the ministry.

When it comes to schools and camps, the decision of whether to include students or campers under this no-fault coverage rests with the ministry. It's wise to be aware of your ministry's past choices to avoid any surprises when the first school-year injury occurs.

Because this coverage operates without regard to fault, it can potentially lead to an increase in claims on your property/liability policy. Considering the current insurance market conditions, where many ministries are seeking ways to minimize claims, practicing effective risk management remains the primary solution. However, it's important to recognize that certain accidents are unavoidable. In such cases, a valuable alternative is to consider relocating your medical coverage to a separate policy that specifically caters to these no-fault injuries. By doing so, you can safeguard your property/liability policy for those more substantial claims that could otherwise leave your ministry financially exposed.

Our accident policies cater to churches, schools, camps, and beyond. These policies are designed to be budget-friendly, often costing less than the medical coverage included in your property/liability policy. Moreover, our accident policies often provide broader coverage, featuring additional limits and coverages that may not be present in your standard premise medical coverage.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the coverage within your current policy or to effortlessly obtain a quick quote for a separate accident policy, please don't hesitate to reach out to your agent, advisor, or connect with our dedicated service team at clientsupport@americanchurchgroup.com. We're here to ensure you have the best coverage options for your unique needs.