Make Sure You're Covered Individually By Insurance

There’s a dangerous misconception in athletic training that needs to be addressed:

Company liability insurance does NOT automatically protect the athletic trainer.

Many ATs assume that because they’re working under a company, school, or organization, they’re personally covered if something goes wrong. That’s not always true.

Here’s the reality:

• Company policies are designed to protect the company first — not you as an individual clinician

• Coverage may only apply within very specific job duties and settings

• If you step even slightly outside those boundaries (PRN work, side gigs, “helping out,” or unclear roles), you may be completely uncovered

• In some cases, companies can deny coverage or separate themselves from liability depending on the situation

And here’s where it gets even more misunderstood:

• General liability insurance covers things like accidents, property damage, or someone getting hurt because of the environment (e.g., a slip-and-fall)

• Professional liability insurance (malpractice) covers your clinical decisions, actions, and standard of care as an athletic trainer

👉 Most company policies lean heavily on general liability

❌ That does NOT mean your clinical decision-making is fully protected

Now ask yourself:

➡️ If a claim is made, who is actually being defended?

➡️ Who chooses the legal representation?

➡️ Whose interests come first?

It’s not a comfortable conversation, but it’s a necessary one.

Being a responsible healthcare provider means taking ownership of your risk, not assuming someone else has it covered.

Having your own professional liability insurance isn’t about distrust, it’s about protection, autonomy, and accountability to your patients and your profession.

Professional liability insurance isn’t just a box to check—it’s protection for your license, your career, and your future.

As athletic trainers expand into non-traditional settings, consulting, PRN/gig work, and entrepreneurial roles, understanding your coverage isn’t optional anymore.

It’s part of being a professional.