Car or motorcycle insurance can be confusing and thought of as yet another cost of driving or riding. Many people will simply get the minimum insurance requirements in California for their vehicle. But this can be a big mistake The cost of a car or motorcycle accident can quickly add up because of medical bills, missed time at work, and property damage.
One type of coverage that we recommend getting is Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay). This type of coverage helps to pay for medical and funeral expenses that are associated with car accidents. Usually, MedPay will cover not only the policyholder, but also passengers and family members driving the insured car when the accident occurs. The coverage will apply no matter who is at fault in the accident.
What does MedPay cover after an accident?
MedPay will cover any costs that are incurred for medical treatment that you, or covered member of your policy, sustain in a car accident. This includes:
• EMT and ambulance fees
• Hospital visits and stays
• Doctor’s visits
• Surgery and x-rays
• Professional nursing services and care
• Dental procedures resulting from the accident
• Prostheses
• Injuries sustained as a pedestrian or on a bike if hit by a vehicle
• Funeral costs
An important characteristic of MedPay coverage is that it follows the holder. This means that even if you aren’t in your vehicle, your coverage remains active. You are covered walking, riding a bike, or even in a friend’s car. It also covers you out of state.
While it does cover additional situations where you are injured, it is important to note that there are exclusions. MedPay is related to medical bills and will not cover things like property damage or pain and suffering You should look to your policy to see what these exclusions may be in your case.
How does MedPay work?
MedPay can work in two different ways: direct reimbursement as primary coverage or as a supplement to your health insurance. How it is specifically applied in any given case will likely be based on who your insurer is. Each insurer handles the payment differently. This is something that would be explained in your insurance policy.
There are no deductibles or co-pays with MedPay. The limits of the policy are usually lower and the idea is to cover immediate medical and funeral expenses due to an accident or to supplement other insurance coverages. It is also important to note that MedPay is not designed to replace health insurance and it will not cover an employed person where worker’s compensation would apply.
Is MedPay coverage worth it?
In a short answer, yes. While the limits are typically low ($1,000, $2,000, $5,000, $10,000, $25,000), this type of coverage will help with any short term financial troubles as they relate to medical bills. As with any coverage, the higher the limit a driver would like, the more expensive the additional coverage will be. Rates will vary based on insurer, driving record, vehicle, etc. You can add MedPay coverage at any time to a policy.
If you have questions about your medical bills after a car crash, we can help review your options. Our number is (916) 619-5452 or we have a form online.
Don’t let your medical bills continue to mount if you were in an accident. It’s possible that the other driver is responsible for those bills and additional compensation if you’ve missed time from work or your property was damaged.
