In many cases, health insurance will pay for car accident injuries, unless your policy contains specific exclusions. You, however, will be responsible for any deductibles.
If you have MedPay or PIP with your auto insurance, they typically pay first, followed by your health insurance coverage. If the at-fault driver has liability insurance, your health insurer may be reimbursed following a settlement.
When you are injured in a car accident, the question of who will pay your medical bills can be overwhelming.
This article explains how health insurance and auto insurance work together when it comes to car accident injuries and how a personal injury lawyer or car accident attorney can help.
Understanding how your health insurance may cover car accident injuries can help you avoid financial surprises and get the care you need.
What Happens to Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
When you are injured in a car accident, the first priority is your medical care—but medical treatment can be costly. Ambulance rides, emergency room visits, surgeries, and ongoing care can create large medical bills.
If you have health insurance, you may wonder if it will help pay for your medical expenses related to the car accident.
Medical bills after a car accident can include a wide range of costs, including:
- Emergency medical care.
- Hospital stays.
- Surgeries.
- Medications.
- Physical therapy.
- Follow-up doctor visits.
Does Health Insurance Cover Car Accident Injuries?
In most cases, your health insurance plan will cover medical expenses resulting from a car accident injury. Many health insurance plans do not exclude car accident injuries, so they may cover medical treatments as they would for any other illness or injury.
Health insurance can cover:
- Hospital stays.
- Surgeries.
- Prescription medications.
- Diagnostic tests.
- Rehabilitation and therapy.
However, some policies may have special rules or exclusions related to car accidents. It is always best to check with your health insurance provider.
How Auto Insurance Works With Health Insurance
Your auto insurance and health insurance may both help pay for your medical expenses after a car accident.
Auto insurance policies often include Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). These coverages can help pay for medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
If you have MedPay or PIP:
- These policies may pay first.
- Health insurance may pay after these benefits are used.
This coordination helps cover medical costs without leaving you responsible for large bills.
Using Your Own Health Insurance After a Car Accident
Many health insurance plans allow you to use your coverage for injuries from a car accident. You can use your own health insurance to pay for medical treatment even while your accident claim is being processed.
Benefits of using health insurance include:
- Immediate payment to healthcare providers.
- Lower out-of-pocket costs.
- Access to a larger network of providers.
However, your health insurer may seek reimbursement later from any settlement or payout you receive from an auto insurance claim. This process is called subrogation.
What Is Covered by Health Insurance?
Health insurance typically covers a wide range of medical care. After a car accident, your health insurance may pay for:
- Ambulance transportation.
- Emergency room visits.
- Diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans).
- Surgery and hospital stays.
- Follow-up care and specialist visits.
- Prescription medications.
- Physical and occupational therapy.
Your health insurance plan may also cover long-term care if your injuries result in ongoing medical needs.
When Will Auto Insurance Pay First?
Auto insurance may pay first if:
- You have Medical Payments Coverage or Personal Injury Protection.
- The accident occurred in a no-fault insurance state.
- You are making a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance.
When your auto insurance pays first, it may reduce the amount your health insurance needs to cover. This can lower your deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Can Health Insurance Refuse To Pay for Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
In some situations, health insurance may initially refuse to pay for medical bills after a car accident. This usually happens when:
- The insurer believes auto insurance should pay first.
- The claim is still under investigation.
- The policy has specific exclusions for accident-related injuries.
If your health insurance refuses to pay, you should:
- Review your health insurance policy.
- Contact your insurance carrier for clarification.
- Work with your healthcare providers to coordinate payments.
- Consider speaking to a car accident attorney if disputes continue.
How Do Insurance Companies Coordinate Payments?
Insurance companies often coordinate payments through a process called coordination of benefits (COB). This ensures that:
- Benefits are not duplicated.
- Medical providers are paid.
- You are not responsible for excessive out-of-pocket costs.
Typically, auto insurance (MedPay or PIP) pays first, followed by your health insurance coverage. If the at-fault driver has liability insurance, it may reimburse your health insurer later.
Should You Use Auto Insurance or Health Insurance After an Accident?
Deciding whether to use auto insurance or health insurance depends on your specific situation:
Use Auto Insurance First When:
- You have MedPay or PIP coverage.
- You live in a no-fault insurance state.
- You want to reduce your health insurance deductibles.
Use Health Insurance First When:
- You do not have MedPay or PIP coverage.
- You need immediate medical care.
- You want access to a larger network of doctors.
In many cases, you may use both types of insurance together to cover all medical expenses.
When To Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Navigating insurance coverage after a car accident can be complex. A car accident lawyer can help you:
- Understand your insurance policies.
- File claims with insurance companies.
- Negotiate with insurance providers.
- Protect your legal rights.
- Maximize your accident claim or car accident settlement.
If you are injured in a car accident and face complicated insurance issues, contacting an experienced car accident attorney can help ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Summary of Key Takeaways
- Health insurance may cover medical expenses related to car accident injuries.
- Auto insurance may also cover medical costs through MedPay or PIP.
- You can often use both auto insurance and health insurance together.
- Coordination of benefits ensures providers are paid without duplication.
- Insurance companies may initially refuse to pay while determining responsibility.
- Health insurance may seek reimbursement from auto insurance settlements.
- Consulting a car accident lawyer can help protect your rights.
Contact The Sorenson Law Firm for assistance at 480-839-9500 or visit us at 950 W Elliot Rd Suite 226, Tempe, AZ 85284.
