Not only is insurance confusing enough by itself, but it’s another cost of driving. Without knowing any better, many people will just get the minimum insurance requirements in California. But this can be a huge mistake. Medical bills, missed time from work, and repairing a vehicle all add to the cost of an accident very quickly.
There are several different kinds of coverage that we always recommend getting: Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage, Rental Car Coverage, and Medical Payments Coverage.
What is Medical Payments coverage?
“Medpay” is an optional coverage that we suggest having. It is usually a smaller amount intended to cover short-term costs associated with an accident. Most Medpay coverages not only cover the policyholder but passengers and family members who drive the insured car if an accident happens. This type of coverage applies no matter who is at fault in an accident.
What does Medpay cover after an accident?
Medpay covers costs that are incurred for medical treatment that you, or any covered member of your policy, sustain in a car accident. This includes:
- EMT and ambulance fees
- Health insurance deductibles and co-pays
- Hospital visits and stays
- Doctor’s visits
- Surgery and x-rays
- Professional nursing services and care
- Dental procedures resulting from the accident
- Prostheses
- Injuries sustained as a pedestrian or on a bike if hit by a vehicle
- Funeral costs
How does Medpay work?
There are two different ways this coverage works. Either as direct reimbursement for costs to the party that provided them or as a supplement to your health insurance. How it is applied will depend on who your insurer is as they each may have somewhat different guidelines in your insurance policy.
With Medpay, there are no co-pays or deductibles. The limits of this coverage are typically lower because the idea is to cover immediate expenses or to supplement existing coverage. It’s important to note that Medpay is not intended to replace health insurance and doesn’t cover an employed person in situations where a worker’s compensation would apply.
What’s the difference between Medpay and Liability Coverage?
Medpay is optional additional coverage. However, California law requires every driver to have liability coverage.
Medpay is designed to cover medical expenses and other costs for you (see above). This is true whether or not you’re at fault in an accident. If you don’t have Medpay, you will be responsible for all of your own medical bills.
On the other hand, liability coverage is for when you cause an accident. This part of the coverage will pay for the other driver’s medical expenses and pain and suffering. This is true if another driver is at fault. Their liability coverage would pay for your medical expenses and pain and suffering. The Medpay would supplement paying those costs.
Is Medpay coverage worth getting?
In short, yes it is. While the limits are typically low ($1,000, $2,000, $5,000, $10,000, $25,000), this coverage can relieve pressure in the early days of a car accident. Unexpected costs like ER, medical, and funeral costs can come quickly. Invoices and bills make an already difficult situation more stressful.
As with any coverage, the higher the amount requested, the more expensive additional coverage will be. Rates depend on the insurer, driving record, vehicle, etc. If you don’t have Medpay coverage can be added at any time. You don’t have to wait until your current policy expires.
San Diego Car Accident Lawyer
My name is Daniel Hanecak and I am a San Diego Car Accident Lawyer. I know from personal experience how stressful and time consuming a car accident can be. When you call Hanecak Law Inc., you will speak with me directly. It is my aim to provide you with free and friendly advice. Call me today at 858-206-4DAN for a free case evaluation.
