What You Should Know
- Standard auto insurance will cover some medical bills, but the policy limit may not be sufficient for serious injuries
- Ask your insurance company about add-ons to your policy that will help cover those unexpected extra costs
- Make sure you know which coverage is primary when filing a claim for medical expenses
If you have medical bills resulting from an accident, you may be concerned about how to pay them. The good news is that insurance can cover these expenses. The bad news is that it might not cover them immediately.
Your coverage type (and extent) will determine when and how you receive payment. This article will help you understand how auto insurance works and which types of coverage will cover your medical bills.
Types of Insurance Coverage for Medical Bills Resulting From an Accident
If you are injured in an auto accident and need medical treatment, you are usually responsible for paying your medical bills upfront. Any compensation from your insurance company or the at-fault party will usually come later.
How can you know if you are covered for medical expenses that result from an auto accident? Below we list different types of insurance and how they relate to medical bills resulting from an auto accident.
MedPay Auto Insurance
You can add medical payments coverage (MedPay) to your auto insurance policy, and it will cover medical expenses related to injuries sustained in an auto accident. This extra coverage will help pay medical bills up to the coverage limits (usually less than $10,000).
Anything over and beyond these policy limits will be your (or your health insurance company’s) responsibility.
The At-Fault Party’s Liability Coverage
If the other driver is found to be at fault, their liability coverage can help pay for your medical bills. Affordable liability auto insurance coverage will pay for any damage that you are legally determined to be responsible for in an accident up to the policy limits.
This includes property damage and personal injuries. In the U.S., drivers are required by law to have liability insurance in most states.
Minimum coverage amounts vary by state, so it’s a good idea to check the minimums for injury coverage in your state and decide if you want additional underinsured motorist coverage (explained below).
Uninsured/underinsured Motorist Coverage
What happens if you hit an uninsured driver? If the at-fault party has no liability coverage to cover your medical payments, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help cover your bills. You will need to ask your insurer to add this additional coverage to your policy.
Private Health Insurance or Medicaid
Health insurance will cover some of your medical bills, depending on your policy stipulations and coverage limit. You can typically get the hospital or doctor to send bills directly to them after you’ve met any co-insurance and deductibles.
There are affordable auto insurance quotes for Medicaid recipients available. This coverage, a provision offered under your standard Medicaid coverage, will only cover medical injuries sustained during an accident and not any property damage.
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Paying Medical Bills Resulting From an Accident in a No-Fault State
If you live in a no-fault state, you must pay your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. This is why drivers are required to take out no-fault auto insurance, also known as personal injury protection (PIP) auto insurance coverage. This covers them for any injuries they incur in an accident.
Auto Insurance Covers Some (But Not All) Medical Bills Resulting From an Accident
What does auto insurance cover when paying medical bills resulting from the accident? It will usually pay for injuries associated with an accident, but you may need additional coverage to ensure you are not left with a hefty sum to pay out of pocket.
Where to Send Auto Insurance Claims
If you have different types of insurance coverage, it can be confusing trying to work out where to send your claims. Your primary insurance policy will be your first port of call when looking to submit a claim for medical bills.
However, your secondary coverage will only apply once you’ve reached your primary policy’s coverage limits. Typically, any applicable auto insurance comes before your health insurance but talk to your insurance company to determine your primary coverage.
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The Bottom Line on Medical Bills Resulting From an Accident
If you are in an auto accident and sustain serious injuries, the medical bills can pile up quickly. While your standard auto insurance may offer some coverage for personal injuries, the policy limit may not be enough to cover your expenses.
Ensure you have sufficient coverage between your auto and health insurance, even if the accident isn’t your fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will get the auto insurance check for my medical bills?
The settlement payment will usually go to you. It is then up to you to pay the hospital and medical professionals you owe.
How do I submit medical bills to my auto insurance company?
Call your insurance provider to report the accident and submit a claim. You will then receive a claim number that you can use when you submit medical bills.
What do I do if I have no health insurance or medical coverage?
If you have no medical or health coverage in your auto insurance policy (and you are at fault), then you’re responsible for your medical bills. If you do not pay these bills, they will be sent to collections. However, many hospitals are open to arranging a payment plan to help ease these burdens.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Farmers CSR for 4 Years
Leslie Kasperowicz holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Winnipeg. She spent several years as a Farmers Insurance CSR, gaining a solid understanding of insurance products including home, life, auto, and commercial and working directly with insurance customers to understand their needs. She has since used that knowledge in her more than ten years as a writer, largely in the insurance…
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