Do you need medical payments coverage if you have full coverage auto insurance? It's an important question to consider, as medical bills from an accident can easily amount to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. MedPay is an optional type of car insurance in most states that covers medical bills and funeral expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. MedPay is not legally required in most states, but it may be a wise decision if you're not sure if you can afford your medical bills after a car accident. If you don't have health insurance, MedPay can help you cover your out-of-pocket expenses, such as your deductible.
It can also help cover the gaps by paying the health insurance deductible or the remaining bills. If you don't have liability insurance for cars, you can be fined, your license suspended, and your vehicle confiscated. Liability coverage doesn't cover injuries suffered by you or by people in your family. You can buy medical payment coverage for you and your family. You could also pay if you are hit by a car while walking or cycling or if you are injured in an accident in someone else's car, but generally the at-fault driver's bodily injury coverage would pay first. You might be tempted to give up medical payment coverage to save money on your car insurance, but medical payment coverage can help you or your passengers financially if either of you is injured in a car accident. Your MedPay coverage limit is the maximum amount your insurer will pay per person and per accident for a covered loss.
In the event of a car accident, this coverage can help you pay for your medical expenses or those of your passengers, even if you are at fault. However, most California Medical Payment plans are subject to California's “Comprehensive” rule. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car caused by something other than a collision, such as a fire, theft, vandalism, windstorm, flood, falling objects, etc. Either way, medical payment coverage may be indispensable if you already have health insurance, as it can help cover the out-of-pocket expenses that your health insurance may leave you with. Keep in mind that if you add medical payment coverage to your auto policy, you'll generally be covered for medical expenses that result from an accident. Medical payment coverage is always optional except in Maine and sometimes in New Hampshire (car insurance isn't required in New Hampshire, but if you have it, medical payment coverage must be included in your policy). Your medical payment coverage may also change with you, for example, if you are going to walk or ride a bike, as well as with your insured vehicles, regardless of who is driving. So if you're considering whether or not to add MedPay to your auto policy, it's important to weigh the potential costs and benefits.
MedPay can provide peace of mind and potentially avoid the financial burden of significant medical expenses after an accident.
