Medical payments coverage, also known as MedPay, is a type of car insurance coverage that helps pay for medical bills resulting from a car accident. It is an optional coverage that can be added to a car insurance policy.
MedPay covers the policyholder, passengers in the policyholder’s car, and pedestrians hit by the policyholder’s car. It typically covers medical expenses such as ambulance rides, hospital stays, doctor visits, and medical equipment. It may also cover funeral expenses if the accident resulted in a fatality.
MedPay is a “no-fault” coverage, meaning that it pays for the medical expenses of the policyholder and covered individuals regardless of who was at fault in the accident. It is intended to provide financial protection for medical expenses that may not be covered by health insurance or other forms of coverage.
MedPay is available in some states, but it is not required by law. It is an optional coverage that policyholders can choose to add to their car insurance policy if they wish to have additional protection for medical expenses resulting from a car accident.
What do Medical Payments cover?
MedPay typically covers medical expenses resulting from a car accident for the policyholder and any family members who may be listed on the policy. It typically covers the following types of medical expenses:
- Ambulance rides: MedPay will cover the cost of an ambulance ride to the hospital if you or a covered individual is injured in a car accident.
- Hospital stays: If you or a covered individual needs to stay in the hospital as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident, MedPay will cover the associated medical expenses.
- Doctor visits: MedPay will cover the cost of visits to the doctor or other medical professionals for treatment of injuries sustained in a car accident.
- Medical equipment: If you or a covered individual requires medical equipment as a result of injuries sustained in an car accident, such as crutches or a neck brace, MedPay will cover the cost of these items.
- Funeral expenses: If the car accident results in a fatality, MedPay may cover funeral expenses for the deceased individual.
What is not covered by car insurance medical payments?
MedPay typically does not cover:
- Lost wages: If you are unable to work as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident, MedPay will not cover your lost wages or salary. You may need to consider other types of coverage, such as disability insurance, to protect your income in the event of an accident.
- Property damage: If your car or other property is damaged in a car accident, MedPay will not cover the cost of repairs or replacement. You will need to rely on your collision coverage or comprehensive coverage for protection against property damage.
- Pain and suffering: If you experience pain and suffering as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident, MedPay will not cover these damages. You may need to consider other types of coverage, such as bodily injury liability coverage, to protect against damages for pain and suffering.
- Medical expenses resulting from illnesses or injuries that were not caused by a car accident: MedPay is only intended to cover medical expenses resulting from injuries sustained in a car accident. If you or a covered individual requires medical treatment for an illness or injury not related to a car accident, MedPay will not cover the associated expenses.
Difference between MedPay and PIP coverage
MedPay and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage are similar in that they both help pay for medical expenses resulting from a car accident. However, there are some differences between the two coverages:
- Availability: MedPay is an optional coverage that is only available in certain states, while PIP coverage is required in some states and optional in others.
- Scope of coverage: PIP coverage is typically more comprehensive than MedPay, covering lost wages and other expenses in addition to medical bills. MedPay only covers medical expenses.
- Fault: Both MedPay and PIP coverage are “no-fault” coverages, meaning that they pay for the medical expenses of the policyholder and covered individuals regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
- Payment: MedPay typically pays medical expenses directly to the policyholder or the covered individual, while PIP coverage pays medical expenses directly to the medical provider.
- Cost: MedPay is typically cheaper than PIP coverage because its coverage is not as extensive.
- Deductible amount: MedPay typically does not have a deductible, while PIP coverage typically does.
Difference between MedPay and bodily injury liability coverage
The main differences between MedPay and Bodily Injury are:
- Purpose: MedPay is a type of coverage that helps pay for the policyholder’s own medical expenses resulting from an car accident, regardless of fault. Bodily injury liability coverage is a type of coverage that helps pay for medical expenses and other damages if the policyholder is at fault in a car accident and the other party is injured.
- Scope of coverage: MedPay covers the policyholder, passengers in the policyholder’s car, and pedestrians hit by the policyholder’s car. It typically covers medical expenses such as ambulance rides, hospital stays, doctor visits, and medical equipment. It may also cover funeral expenses if the accident resulted in a fatality. Bodily injury liability coverage helps pay for medical expenses and other damages if the policyholder is at fault in an car accident and the other party is injured.
- Availability: Both MedPay and bodily injury liability coverage are available in certain states, but they are not required by law. They are both optional coverages that policyholders can choose to add to their car insurance policy if they wish to have additional protection.
Do you need medical payments coverage?
Whether or not you need medical payments coverage depends on your individual circumstances. If you have good health insurance, you may not need MedPay, as your health insurance may cover your medical expenses resulting from a car accident. However, if you do not have good health insurance or if you are concerned about gaps in coverage, MedPay can provide additional protection.
You must purchase medical payments coverage if you’re a driver living in one of the following states:
| State | Required Coverage Limits | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | $2,000 per person | |
| New Hampshire | $1,000 per person | Mandatory for all drivers who purchase car insurance |
| Pennsylvania | $5,000 per person | Mandatory for those without PIP |
How much medical payment coverage should I get?
The amount of medical payment coverage you should get depends on your individual circumstances and budget. It is generally recommended to get at least $5,000 in medical payment coverage, but you may want to consider getting more if you have a high deductible health insurance plan or if you are concerned about gaps in coverage. It is important to carefully review your options and consider your unique needs when deciding how much medical payment coverage to get.
