When you’re injured in a wreck, your attorney should be looking for every dollar available to maximize your recovery. One of the most overlooked coverages is Medical Payments or “MedPay”, which can help you pay your medical expenses regardless of whether or not you were at fault for a wreck. This article addresses some of the most common questions we hear about MedPay coverage.
What exactly does medical payments coverage pay for?
Medical payments coverage helps pay for medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured in a car accident. It will help cover costs like hospital bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, and medication. The key is that it pays regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
Is medical payments coverage required in Georgia?
No, medical payments coverage is optional in Georgia. However, given the high costs of medical care, it can be a good idea to purchase this additional coverage. It provides peace of mind that accident-related medical bills will be covered up to the limits of your policy.
How much does medical payments coverage cost?
The cost of medical payments coverage depends on the limits you choose, but it is usually quite affordable. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average annual cost of medical payments coverage in Georgia is $23. Higher limits, of course, mean higher premiums. But even at higher limits, the total additional cost is typically only $50-$100 per year.
What limits are available for medical payments coverage in Georgia?
Most auto insurers offer medical payments coverage limits ranging from $1,000 up to $100,000 or more. Common limits are $1,000, $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000. The limit you choose depends on how much you want to pay in premiums and how much coverage you feel you need. Higher limits mean higher premiums but more coverage if you’re involved in a wreck.
Can I use medical payments coverage for my own injuries as well as those of my passengers?
Yes, medical payments coverage applies to injuries for you, members of your household, and your passengers. It will help pay for medical bills resulting from injuries sustained in an auto accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Conclusion
In sum, MedPay is relatively inexpensive but can be very important if you’re ever involved in a wreck. We encourage you (and all our clients) to check your policy for this coverage. If you don’t have it currently, we strongly suggest that you add it to your policy. Should you have any more questions about MedPay coverage, please feel free to reach out to our office.