What Is Med Pay Auto Insurance? And Why Do I Need It?

There are a wide variety of auto insurance coverage options out there — from standard liability coverage to MedPay coverage to Uninsured Motorist Coverage. 

Navigating the world of car insurance can be challenging!

This blog explores one particular type of car insurance: Medical Payments Coverage (more commonly called MedPay)

What Is Medical Payments Coverage (a.k.a. Med Pay)?

In North Carolina, you have the option of Medical Payments Coverage through your own insurance agency. 

MedPay coverage can be added to most insurance policies to help you (AND your passengers) cover out-of-pocket health care costs after a vehicle accident. 

This includes expenses like…

• Visits to the doctor

• Hospital stays

• Ambulance and EMT fees

• Surgeries

• X-Rays

• Prosthetic limbs

• Dental procedures

• Medical insurance co-pays and deductibles

• Nursing services

• Chiropractic care

• Injuries sustained as a pedestrian or cyclist

• Or funeral costs

What Does MedPay NOT Cover?

Unlike some other forms of coverage, Medical Payments Coverage does not apply to…

• Wage reimbursement/missed work situations

• Child care costs

• Treatment of another driver’s injuries

• Injuries sustained will riding or operating a vehicle with fewer than four wheels

• Or any costs above your MedPay policy’s limit

Do I Really Need MedPay Coverage?

Although Medical Payments Coverage is not required in North Carolina (nor most other states), it is highly recommended for people who would have significant trouble paying for large, unexpected medical bills in the case of an accident. 

MedPay can be especially helpful if your insurance health plan leaves significant gaps, with high deductibles and low limits, OR if you only have Bodily Injury Liability Coverage (which only covers the opposing driver’s medical expenses if you are at-fault).

So, if you’re not sure you could afford to pay for steep medical bills at a moment’s notice, MedPay auto insurance is a good (generally affordable) option to consider.

One of the greatest perks of MedPay insurance is that it does NOT depend on fault…unlike a personal injury claim. Therefore, you can receive compensation for your medical expenses (and those of other passengers) regardless of who caused the accident.

How Does MedPay Coverage Work

If you decide you would like to add MedPay coverage to your insurance policy, you should be able to set it up with your current auto insurance provider.

To qualify for Medical Payment Coverage claim reimbursement, you must have…

• Sustained injuries as a direct result of a car accident

• And incurred “necessary” and “reasonable” medical expenses as a direct result of the accident

Then, if you are injured in a car accident, you can submit your medical bills and records with your insurance carrier for MedPay reimbursement.

Robert L. Armstrong | North Carolina Personal Injury Attorney

Have you or a loved one been injured as a result of a car accident? 

Robert Louis Armstrong can help you determine whether MedPay insurance is your best option.

Contact Robert Armstrong’s office today for a FREE consultation!