Med Pay
What is Med Pay?
One of the first questions that I ask in talking with someone that has been involved in a motor vehicle accident is whether or not they have “med pay” under their own car insurance policy. The reason why I ask is because, generally speaking, payment under a “med pay” can be processed very quickly and help individuals while they are waiting on the at-fault driver’s insurance company to provide answers to any liability or damage issues.
Med pay is short for medical payments, and pays medical expenses for its insured and any passengers injured during an accident or auto-related injury. It does not come included in most auto policies, but it is relatively inexpensive to add. To find out whether or not you have med pay, it will be listed on the declaration page of an insurance policy. Med pay amounts vary, and the ranges are usually $500 to $5,000 per policy per accident.
When can you ask for Med Pay?
Generally speaking, if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you should notify your auto-insurance company and request the “med pay.” Most insurance companies require a copy of the medical bill and then will reimburse you or the medical provider for the expense.
The other driver was at fault, so why should I ask for my own medpay?
One of the misconceptions about motor vehicle accidents is that if the other driver is at fault, they’ll immediately pay for the medical bills. Unfortunately, another driver’s car insurance does not operate like health insurance, or process medical bills upon receipt. Instead, the at-fault driver’s insurance is going to make one lump-sum payment, typically when the injured party is done treating. This can take months, and in the meantime, medical bills start piling up.
Med pay, on the other hand, can be quickly processed and provide some financial support while the at-fault driver’s insurance company processes the claim.
So do yourself and your family a favor; check with your insurance agent about adding or increasing your “Med Pay.”
*Med pay differs from policy to policy and may not disbursed in certain circumstances. The above is intended to be informational only, and not construed as legal advice. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.