Like most people, you probably don’t think about medical payments coverage (Medpay) until you need it. Medpay can be a lifesaver in a crisis, but many people don’t know they have it or how it works.
What Is Medical Payments Coverage?
MedPay is an elective provision that provides additional coverage for medical expenses incurred by the policyholder, their passengers, and other drivers on the policy after an accident, up to a certain coverage limit. Often referred to as “MedPay,” this coverage can be used after an accident, regardless of fault.
How Does MedPay Coverage Work?
MedPay works by reimbursing the policyholder for covered medical expenses incurred after an accident. It can be used to pay for hospital stays, surgery, ambulance costs, rehabilitation, and other medical treatment.
MedPay can supplement health insurance and personal injury protection insurance or cover expenses not covered by health insurance. For example, if you have a high deductible health insurance plan, MedPay can help pay for some of your out-of-pocket costs.
What Does Medical Payments Insurance Cover?
MedPay may help cover the cost of:
- Doctor visits
- Ambulance rides
- X-rays
- Medical bills usually covered by health insurance
- Professional nursing services
- Ongoing medical care
- Funeral expenses
- Deductibles, copays, and coinsurance for other types of insurance
It may also help if you’re injured while a passenger in someone else’s car or hit by a car while walking or biking.
Who is Covered Under MedPay?
Under MedPay, the policyholder is covered regardless of whether they are the driver or passenger in a vehicle. MedPay also covers:
- Passengers riding in the policyholder’s vehicle
- Policyholders, when they are injured as passengers in a vehicle, they do not own or insure
- Policyholders and covered family members if they’re injured while walking as pedestrians, or in some cases while riding bicycles, due to an auto accident.
What is Not Covered Under MedPay?
MedPay does not cover:
- Damage to vehicles
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Punitive damages
- Childcare
- Other drivers’ injuries
Medical Payments Coverage Limits
The limit you choose will depend on several factors, including your health insurance coverage and the limits of your PIP policy. You may also want to consider the cost of living in your area, the average cost of medical care, and how much you are willing to pay each month.
If you live in an area with a high cost of living or if you anticipate needing expensive medical care, you may want to choose a higher limit. Keep in mind that MedPay is designed to supplement other forms of insurance, so it’s only necessary to purchase as much as you can afford.
While MedPay costs differ from one car insurance company to another, the most common limits are $1,000, $2,000, $5,000, $10,000, and $25,000. The higher your limit, the more you will have to pay annually for your coverage.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance vs. MedPay
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of “no-fault” auto insurance required by Florida law. PIP pays for medical expenses and, in some cases, lost wages and other damages incurred by the policyholder and their passengers.
While PIP is extensive, it does not offer full coverage. In Florida, Medpay will pay for 20 percent of bills not covered by PIP. Additionally, MedPay may continue to provide coverage after PIP’s $10,000 limit has been reached.
MedPay may cover funeral expenses beyond the $5,000 provided through PIP in a fatal car accident. Both coverages are available to policyholders regardless of fault.
MedPay vs. Bodily Injury Liability Insurance
MedPay covers medical expenses incurred by the policyholder and their passengers regardless of fault. Bodily injury liability coverage pays for injuries and damages caused by the policyholder to others while operating the vehicle.
Like Medpay, a bodily injury auto insurance policy is also not required in Florida. However, it is another coverage that is beneficial to have. Not only will it pay for injuries and damages to the other driver, but it may also help cover legal fees if the other driver decides to sue you for their additional damages.
Do I Need Medical Payments Coverage?
The decision to purchase MedPay coverage depends on many factors, including your health insurance policy, the limits of your PIP policy, and your personal preferences. However, while you don’t need MedPay, it is a good idea to add it to your policy.
Your auto and health insurance will not always cover all your medical costs, often leaving you with high medical bills. MedPay can help you cover the costs of health insurance deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket expenses not covered by your health and auto insurance policies.
No one likes to think about being in an accident, but it’s important to be prepared. If you decide to add MedPay coverage to your policy, make sure you understand the terms of your policy and what is covered. You’ll know exactly what to expect if you ever need to use it.
Hire an Attorney for Your Florida Car Accident
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we are committed to fighting for your fair recovery. We strive to help injured individuals and the loved ones of those wrongfully killed secure the full, fair recovery they are owed. We offer dedicated legal representation for car accident victims and bicycle, Uber and Lyft, motorcycle, and semi-truck accident victims.
If you feel you have been the victim of a car accident through no fault of your own. Our attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and work toward securing the maximum compensation you are owed. Call (727) 784-8191 or contact us online to get started on receiving maximum compensation for your personal injury case.
