What happens if my child is injured on a US sports scholarship?

By Nathan Gillis, founder of Olympic Sports Scholarships and a former NCAA Division I athlete at Lamar and La Salle · Updated October 2026

THE SHORT ANSWERAt NCAA Division I, your child's scholarship is protected: the school cannot reduce, cancel or decline to renew athletics aid because of an injury. Division I schools must also provide medical care for athletically related injuries, and continue it for at least two years after graduation. Protections at Division II, NAIA and junior college vary, so check insurance and terms before signing.

Injury is the worry I hear most from parents, and it is a fair one. Here is what actually happens.

Will they lose their scholarship?

At NCAA Division I: no, not for athletics reasons. If your child receives athletics aid in their first year and still has eligibility, the school cannot reduce, cancel or decline to renew that aid because of injury, illness, a mental health condition, athletic performance or roster decisions. The school must give written notice and a chance to appeal any change.

At Division II, NAIA and junior college: scholarships are usually agreed one year at a time and protections vary by school. Ask the coach directly what happens if your child is injured, and get the answer in writing.

Who pays for treatment?

Under NCAA Division I rules, schools must:

Provide medical care for athletically related injuries
Pay eligible out-of-pocket medical costs
Continue care for qualifying athletically related injuries for at least two years after graduation or leaving
Give access to mental health services and resources

Day to day, athletes are looked after by the university's athletic trainers and team doctors, who handle assessment, rehab and return to training.

The gap to check: health insurance

Injuries and illness that are not sport related are usually covered by health insurance rather than the athletics department. Most US universities require international students to have health insurance, and some include it in the scholarship package. Ask:

Is health insurance included, and what does it cover?
What happens with an injury that happens away from training?
Who pays if my child needs surgery during the summer at home?

Standard travel insurance from home does not usually cover a full year of study abroad, so do not rely on it.

What we do

We go through these questions with every family before they sign, so you know exactly how an offer treats injury. Our Performance package also includes strength and conditioning and nutrition support, which help keep athletes healthy in the first place.

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Quick answers

Can a US university take away a sports scholarship if my child gets injured?

Not at NCAA Division I for athletics reasons. If your child receives athletics aid in their first year and still has eligibility, the school cannot reduce, cancel or decline to renew it because of injury. Other levels vary, so get the terms in writing.

Who pays medical bills if a college athlete is injured?

At NCAA Division I, the school must provide medical care for athletically related injuries and pay eligible out-of-pocket costs, and continue care for at least two years after graduation. Non-sport injuries are usually covered by health insurance.

Do international students need health insurance in the US?

Most US universities require it, and some include it in the scholarship package. Ask what is covered before your child accepts an offer.