Hopefully, you're just asking yourself this question hypothetically. Determining whether or not your car insurance actually covers medical expenses in the case of an accident is important, especially if you're establishing a new policy. We've done the research which can help provide a general answer to the question, though ultimately, this is something you'll have to check with your insurance company directly.
You may be surprised to find out that medical expenses are not covered under most standard auto insurance policies. However, in many cases, medical payments coverage can, in fact, be added to your existing policy. If you're interested in this component, you should contact your current company or bring it up the next time you are starting a new policy.
Your coverage rates for bodily injury and such are going to need to meet specified requirements set by the state. Your insurance company can help you. Make sure your policy fits your needs before purchasing it.
As a responsible driver, you should probably know what your policy covers and what it does not. If you have concerns about what your policy covers, you should perhaps bring them up with your insurance company as they can be the ones to answer your specific questions. It is always better to be overcovered as opposed to undercovered. You do not want to find out too late that you don't have enough coverage.
Who Pays For Medical Bills In A Car Accident?
The basic answer to this is that you will pay for the medical bills in a car accident if you were at fault. The way it works is pretty simple. If you're injured in a car accident that is not your fault, then the other driver's insurance company is usually responsible. That's a relaxing thought.
After researching it, however, we found that it gets downright scary. Initially, you will have to bear the costs of the accident and your medical treatment until your treatment is over. The crux of this is that it could take several months or several years for you to improve medically. The terminology that the insurance companies use is medically improved. This is when you reach full treatment from your doctors. Until this happens, though, your doctor and specialists will need to be paid. That responsibility falls on you.
This means, the other driver's insurance company may be liable for payment, but it could take a long while for you to see that money. In other words, you may not want to rely on that per se.
What Does "Auto Medical Payments" Cover?
Supplemental "medical payments" insurance could provide you with some protection from the above scenario. This protects you and your passengers from having to pay the costs associated with medical treatment after an auto accident.
Will My Health Insurance Cover Auto Accident Injuries?
Yes, your health insurance should cover injuries that are sustained in an auto accident. In many cases, automotive insurance companies are going to pay out first. Your healthcare plan will absorb the remaining expenses. This does not occur until all other payment options have been exhausted.
If the other driver is responsible for the accident and you're not at fault, you may also be asked to seek reparations for the expenses from the other driver's insurance company. As touched on above, you will not be able to do that until you have completed your treatment. While this doesn't seem to make sense at first glance, it does because then you have established an exact cost for your care. That way the companies know exactly how much is due.
What Is The Difference Between Bodily Injury And Medical Expenses?
Because unless you are very familiar with the terms, these look to be the same thing. Let us help you clear up the fog a little bit. These are known as policy limits.
Bodily Injury
Bodily injury coverage exists to cover you when you are at fault in an automobile accident. This coverage will not provide you any kind of relief from any expenses incurred during treatment. This exists to help the other driver in the other vehicle and their passengers.
Medical Expense Coverage
Medical expense coverage exists to help you and your passengers in the car that you are in cover the medical costs of recovery after your accident. It is imperative to understand the difference between these two things because one will cover you, and the other one will not.
Do I Have To Pay For My Health Insurance Back After A Car Accident?
In many cases, you do have to pay your health insurance back after a car accident. This often shocks and dismays people that have been in car accidents. The usual response is something like, but I pay for my medical insurance and my car insurance, so why are they coming back to get the money from me now?
The answer to that is straightforward. Insurance exists to help protect you and the other drivers from incurring the total cost of treatment. Medical insurance exists to help keep you from having to pay the total bills for the doctor. Most policies still require you to pay part of the bill.
Failure to pay your share of the bill can result in having an insurance lien placed against you. This judgment will allow them to attach your bank accounts and other financial resources to recover lost expenses.
The best advice is to check and see what your insurance policy offers. You can make changes and adjustments as you see fit. Perhaps you don't have enough coverage, and you need to make some changes. The reality of it is is that each individual decides what kind of policy they need in conjunction with their company.
It is highly suggested that you get a medical pay policy. Also, make sure that your bodily injury limits are set to an acceptable standard. By doing both of these things, you can almost assure that you are going to be well covered and well situated in the event anything happens.
