Med Pay For Auto Accidents

Med Pay, short for Medical Payments coverage, is a type of car insurance that helps pay for medical expenses if you're injured in a car accident, no matter who was at fault. It can cover:Injuries to you, whether you're in your own car, someone else's, or as a pedestrian or cyclistInjuries to passengers in your carFuneral expensesMed Pay's limits apply per person, meaning each person injured can claim up to the policy’s coverage amount. For example, with a $5,000 Med Pay policy, if you and three family members are injured, each can claim up to $5,000 for a total of $20,000. Med Pay does not cover vehicle repairs, property damage, lost wages, disability, or pain and suffering, and it must be purchased separately for each car you own.

Med Pay supplements health insurance, but it isn't a substitute. It typically covers up to $25,000, which may be enough for minor to moderate injuries, but not for extended care. Med Pay starts covering your medical expenses immediately without deductibles or co-pays, and once exhausted, health insurance takes over. 

Med Pay is generally inexpensive, with small premiums offering potentially substantial peace of mind.

Check your policy’s Declarations page. It will indicate if you have Med Pay and the coverage amount.

The ideal Med Pay amount depends on your health insurance coverage. 

$1,000-$2,000: Barely covers basic costs and may not be sufficient even with excellent health insurance.

$5,000: Traditionally considered a good minimum, but may fall short for emergency or extended care.

$10,000: A solid choice for covering most chiropractic and moderate injury expenses.

$25,000: Beneficial if you lack robust health insurance or may need extensive care, though higher limits may raise concerns with insurers about overuse.

This varies by insurer, but Med Pay coverage usually extends one or two years after an accident or until the coverage limit is reached.

No. Policies differ in coverage, "usual and customary" fee limits, and document requirements for billing. Some insurers limit payments per visit or require detailed medical documentation, which may delay reimbursements.

Excess Med Pay works as a secondary insurance to your health coverage. It pays remaining balances after your health insurance has contributed, but you may face delays due to the processing sequence with both insurers.

This coverage type does not require you to repay your insurer from any settlement you receive from the at-fault driver’s insurance. In contrast, reimbursable Med Pay requires repayment, potentially reducing your net settlement amount. Ask specifically for non-reimbursable Med Pay to avoid this. 

Generally, filing a Med Pay claim alone does not increase rates. It is illegal for an insurance carrier to raise your rates when you are not at fault.  However, if you’re found at fault in the accident, your premiums could rise regardless of Med Pay claims.

Using Med Pay ensures timely coverage of your medical bills and keeps you focused on recovery. Even if you’re not at fault, healthcare costs are incurred simply because you’re receiving care.  Your med-pay follows you even if you are in vehicle other than your own involved in a crash or if you are a pedestrian involved in a car accident. 

Yes, you can still receive care. Providers may work with you on payment plans or require a lien agreement to ensure costs are covered once any settlement is received. 

Review your policy to see if you have Med Pay.

Consider adding or increasing Med Pay if needed.

Ensure you have adequate protection in case of an accident.

Contact us at DeSalvo Chiropractic at (415) 898-6888