Medical Payment Coverage (or “MedPay”) is supplemental insurance that covers drivers for reasonable and necessary medical and funeral expenses. MedPay covers the policyholder (usually the driver), their family, and the driver’s passengers. MedPay protects drivers both in and outside of their car. For example, if a driver or family member is struck by a car while crossing the street, their injuries should be covered by a MedPay policy.
The Basics of MedPay Insurance
MedPay coverage applies any time the policyholder, family members, or passengers are injured by a motor vehicle. MedPay protects the policyholder regardless of fault. Moreover, it applies even if the policyholder is injured while outside a vehicle. Even if the policyholder is at fault in the accident, MedPay covers the injuries and funeral costs. Coverage also applies if the policyholder is struck by a car while riding a bike.
MedPay provides coverage for medical expenses and funeral costs related to the accident. For example, it covers:
- Medical bills,
- Hospital days,
- Ambulance,
- Long-term care,
- Physical therapy,
- Orthodontics costs (e.g., broken teeth), and
- Funeral expenses.
MedPay does not cover expenses that aren’t related to injuries. For example, MedPay doesn’t cover lost work or car repair costs.
MedPay Benefits
MedPay offers substantial benefits that are usually worth the cost. For example, MedPay provides coverage for each covered person up to the policy limit. Injured persons don’t need to share the policy limit – each of their injuries is covered up to the policy limit. MedPay typically doesn’t restrict where covered persons get medical treatment, restrict where injuries are covered, premiums usually don’t increase after an accident, and insurers typically don’t drop policies.
Finally, MedPay isn’t subject to subrogation which means injured persons don’t need to reimburse their insurer if they receive compensation from another insurance company. For many other insurance policies, if the at-fault driver’s insurance reimburses the injured party, he or she must reimburse the insurer. For example, medical and auto insurance must be reimbursed before the funds are disbursed to the injured party who receives a car accident settlement. Claims under MedPay don’t need to be reimbursed.
Nevada law requires all insurers to offer MedPay coverage of up to $1,000.00. However, many offer policies that cover up to $10,000 and $100,000. These policies are flexible and provide substantial coverage to the policyholder, families, and passengers.
