Medpay coverage is a type of insurance coverage that is part of an auto insurance policy. Unlike liability insurance, medpay, short for medical payments, can cover you even if you are at fault for a wreck. There are some limits to medpay, however, and the coverage is an optional add-on to an auto insurance policy, so not everyone will have medpay coverage.
How Can Medpay Coverage Be Used?
If you were injured in a wreck, you will likely have medical bills from the medical treatment you received. If you have medpay coverage available to you, then you may be able to use that coverage to help with various expenses. Medpay can often be used to help with medical expenses such as:
- EMS bills
- Emergency room bills
- Medical bills from visits to doctors, urgent cares, or specialists
- Prescribed medical equipment such as braces and crutches
- Health insurance deductibles and co-pays
Who Is Covered By Medpay?
Medpay can cover you even if you are at-fault for a wreck. If medpay is available, you may be able to collect it in any of the following scenarios:
- You were injured in a wreck and were at-fault for the wreck.
- You were injured in a wreck that was not your fault.
- You were a passenger in someone else’s vehicle and were injured in a wreck.
- You were a pedestrian and were struck by a vehicle.
- You were hit by a car while riding your bicycle.
- You were hit by a car while riding your motorcycle.
How Do I Know if I Have Medpay?
If you were injured in a car wreck, you can contact your insurance agent and ask about the insurance coverages available to you. You can also ask your agent for a copy of your dec page (short for declarations) from your policy. If you have medpay, it should be listed on your dec page. Even if you do not have medpay, if you were a passenger in someone else’s car when you were injured in a wreck, you may be able to collect medpay from their insurance policy.
To make sure you have thoroughly searched for all available medpay and other insurance coverage, contact a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help by identifying the at-fault parties, identifying available insurance policies, and looking for medpay, liability, and other insurance coverage.
How Much Medpay Do I Have?
We typically see auto insurance policies with medpay coverage ranging from $500 – $2,000. That said, in North Carolina, medpay coverage can go as high as $25,000. To determine the amount of medpay on your own auto insurance policy, check with your insurance agent or review your insurance declarations (“dec”) page.
How Do I Add Medpay to My Insurance Policy?
If you have not been in a wreck but just want to add medpay to your policy so you are better protected for the future, contact your insurance agent and ask about adding medpay. They should be able to provide you with a quote. Depending on the insurer and the amount of coverage you’re requesting, you may be able to add at least some medpay to your policy for as little as a few dollars per month!
What Else Do I Need to Know Before Collecting Medpay?
There are several things you need to know before you collect your medpay. First, some insurance companies make it easier to collect medpay than other companies. Some companies will want to send the payments directly to your medical providers while others will send the payments directly to you. Additionally, in order to collect your medpay, you will have to provide the insurance company with a copy of your medical bills showing that you have bills equal to the amount of medpay coverage you are attempting to collect.
Finally, some health insurers (such as Medicare) may have a claim on your medpay benefits. If your health insurer has a valid claim on your medpay and you fail to follow their requirements, they could choose to withhold future health insurance payments until they believe they have been paid back the amount they were previously due from your medpay.
Before you attempt to collect medpay, contact the experienced personal injury team at Burton Law Firm. We provide free consultations and can answer your questions and help you look for medpay and other available insurance coverage. At Burton Law Firm, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing your future. Give us a call today to scheduled your free consultation.