While it is possible to get coverage from your auto insurance, your health insurance can also cover certain perils resulting from car accidents, depending on the type of coverage you have.
It is entirely possible for your health insurance policy to cover the medical costs related to a car accident if you no longer have sufficient coverage in your auto insurance policy. But, usually, the type of insurance that should be referred to in the event of a car accident is auto insurance.
To be sure whether your health insurance offers coverage for car accidents, you should reach out to your insurance provider for clarity. They are in the best position to tell you the terms of your health insurance policy, and from there, you can deduce if car accidents are covered by your policy or not.
Do I Need to Pay Anything Out of Pocket If an Accident Occur?
The answer to this question depends on your insurance company and the type of coverage you have. But usually, you will be required to pay a deductible if you are using your health insurance to cover treatment of injuries incurred from a car accident.
To avoid this route, it is advisable to purchase substantial coverage under an auto insurance policy, which can help to cover all the necessary costs associated with getting medical treatment if an accident occurs.
If you have car insurance in place, your insurance company will pay for the medical bills and other expenses if you sustain injury in an accident. Using your health insurance to cover car accidents is not really a wise decision.
What If the Accident Was Caused By Another Driver?
If you are not responsible for the cause of the accident, it is possible to receive compensation from the at-fault driver. You will need to work with your insurance company to ensure that you recover the expenses from the driver who was responsible for the accident.
The whole process will be much easier if the at-fault driver has auto insurance. Your insurer will reach out to his/her insurance company and request that you be reimbursed for the costs associated with the car accident.
Most car settlement agreements with an at-fault driver include compensation for the injured driver’s and passenger’s medical expenses.
Do I Still Need MedPay If I Have Health Insurance?
Well, it depends on the state you reside in. If your state requires you to have both MedPay and health insurance, then you will have to purchase the two together. But it is not mandatory to have MedPay if you already have health insurance.
Nevertheless, both MedPay and health insurance have their own unique features, and there’s no harm in having these two types of coverage together.
How to File a Claim for Car Accidents
If you were involved in an accident and you sustained severe injury or caused damage to others property, you can refer to either your auto or health insurance for protection.
To file a claim, you must have documented the accident by taking photos and videos to show as evidence to your insurance provider. This would also help to expedite the approval of your claim.
Once you file a claim, your insurer will assign an adjuster who will evaluate the extent of the damage and injury sustained and decide on the amount you will be reimbursed. If it is a covered claim, your insurance provider will pay for the expenses related to your medical care and that of others affected by the accident.
FAQs
Who pays first for the expenses? Health insurance or auto insurance?
In the event of an accident, your auto insurance policy will first of all cover the cost associated with treating injuries and expenses for property damage.
If you have reached the limit on your auto insurance coverage, you can then refer to your health insurance. Your health insurance policy may help to cover the remaining expenses your auto insurance could cover.
What if I’m injured after an accident and I don’t have health insurance?
If you are involved in any type of accident, the first thing you need to ensure is your safety. Get the necessary medical treatment regardless of whether you have health insurance or not.
Ensure your injuries are properly taken care of in order to ameliorate the pain and prevent further damage.
There are certain states that allow doctors to attend to uninsured patients if an accident occurs and they need immediate medical care. It all depends on the laws that govern the state in which you reside.
