Understanding Medical Payments Coverage After an Automobile Accident

Understanding Medical Payments Coverage After an Automobile Accident

Automobile accidents can be physically and financially devastating. Medical bills can pile up quickly, adding stress to an already difficult situation. However, understanding your insurance coverage can provide some relief. One important thing to be aware of is medical payments coverage, which is often abbreviated as “MedPay.”

What is medical payments coverage?

Medical payments coverage, or MedPay, is a part of insurance coverage under some policies that pays for medical expenses resulting from a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. It usually covers medical bills for you, your passengers, and sometimes even family members driving the insured vehicle at the time of the accident. It typically is of a limited amount.

How Does Medical Payments Coverage Work?

When you’re involved in an accident and sustain injuries, you may be able to file a claim with your insurance provider to cover your medical expenses up to the amount allowed under your policy. MedPay coverage can help pay for a range of medical expenses, including:

Bills: Emergency room visits and overnight stays.

Doctor visits: Consultations, check-ups, and specialist appointments.

Diagnostic tests: X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other imaging tests.

Prescription medications: Medications prescribed to treat injuries sustained in the accident.

Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and chiropractic care.

Four of the Benefits of Medical Payments Coverage:

1. No-fault coverage: Regardless of who caused the accident, MedPay can provide coverage for medical expenses.
2. Immediate access to funds: You can access MedPay benefits quickly to pay for medical treatment without waiting for a liability determination.
3. Supplemental coverage: MedPay can supplement your health insurance coverage, covering deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
4. Coverage for passengers: MedPay typically extends coverage to passengers in your vehicle, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Understanding Policy Limits and Exclusions

It’s essential to review your insurance policy to understand if you have medical payments coverage and the limits and exclusions. Policy limits and coverage vary depending on your insurer and the options you choose. Additionally, some policies may exclude coverage for certain types of injuries or treatments.

Medical payments coverage can be an important addition to your auto insurance policy. By understanding how MedPay works and the benefits it offers, you can make informed decisions when selecting insurance coverage. If you have been in an accident, having MedPay can be an advantage, allowing you to focus on your recovery with less financial stress.

If you have been hurt in an automobile accident at no fault of your own, give us a call at 530-241-2734.

Mark Cibula is a third-generation attorney in Redding, California, a former mayor, and chairman of the Shasta County Board of Supervisors. He has practiced personal injury law for over 29 years and handled many complex matters, including jury trials. He has earned numerous awards, including the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. He has a B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley, an M.A. from the University of Southern California, and a J.D. from the McGeorge School of Law. Mark is also a long-distance open-water swimmer. His telephone number is 530-241-2734.

Diane Balma is a highly experienced personal injury attorney. Diane graduated from McGeorge School of Law in 1991 and has since been using her advocacy skills to improve the lives of others. Diane has obtained millions of dollars for her clients and is a skilled negotiator and litigator. Diane is also a breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed in 1995, she has been a national figure and effective advocate in the cancer arena for more than 25 years.

*Attorney advertising does not constitute legal advice.*