IL SB2178

Public school districts maintaining grades 9-12 must provide catastrophic accident insurance coverage with aggregate benefit limits of $3 million or 5 years (whichever occurs first) for students injured in IHSA-sanctioned interscholastic athletic events and related travel.

Non-public schools maintaining grades 9-12 must provide the same catastrophic accident insurance coverage ($3 million or 5 years) for students injured in IHSA-sanctioned interscholastic athletic tournaments and related travel.

Insurance coverage applies only to medical expenses exceeding $50,000 and is supplemental to any other existing insurance, coverage, or benefits.

Schools requiring students to carry individual or group accident and health insurance policies are exempt from these requirements.

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has exclusive authority to establish the coverage plan and may offer a group policy; schools can alternatively obtain coverage from other providers or through self-insurance (for certain large districts) if they submit compliance certificates to IHSA 60 days before coverage begins.

Public school districts in grades kindergarten-8 may optionally provide medical or hospital insurance for students injured in school-sponsored athletic activities, with costs paid from athletic activity revenues when possible.