TL;DR: Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage is an optional add-on to your auto insurance that pays for your medical bills after a car accident, regardless of fault. While it’s not required in Illinois, it offers essential protection for you and your passengers.
MedPay can be a lifesaver in the event of an accident, covering medical expenses for you and your passengers, no matter who caused the crash. While not required by Illinois law, it’s an affordable add-on that provides peace of mind and ensures that you don’t face unexpected out-of-pocket medical expenses after an accident. Let’s explore what MedPay covers, how it works, and why it’s worth considering for Illinois drivers.
For more details or to add MedPay to your policy, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060.
What Does Medical Payments Insurance Cover?
Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage helps cover medical and related expenses if you’re injured in an auto accident. This coverage applies regardless of who is at fault, protecting you and your passengers. Here’s what MedPay can cover:
- Emergency medical treatment: Ambulance rides, ER visits, and other immediate care needed after an accident.
- Hospital and doctor bills: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, X-rays, scans, and follow-up visits.
- Rehabilitation and nursing care: Physical therapy, nursing care, and other recovery-related expenses.
- Health insurance deductibles: MedPay can cover your health insurance deductible or co-pay, easing out-of-pocket costs.
- Dental and prosthetic expenses: If you require dental treatment or prosthetics due to accident injuries, MedPay helps cover these expenses.
- Funeral costs: In the tragic case of a fatal accident, MedPay can assist with funeral and burial expenses.
Importantly, MedPay covers you even outside of your own vehicle. For example, if you’re injured as a pedestrian or while riding in someone else’s car, MedPay can still cover your medical expenses.
What Doesn’t MedPay Cover?
MedPay doesn’t cover:
- Lost wages or non-medical costs like childcare.
- Injuries to others involved in the accident (that’s covered by your liability insurance).
- Mechanical breakdowns or routine vehicle maintenance.
Does MedPay Cover Passengers in My Car?
Yes, MedPay will cover medical expenses for any passengers injured in an accident, up to the coverage limit you select. For example, if you have $5,000 MedPay coverage and two passengers are injured, the policy will pay up to $5,000 per passenger. This coverage ensures your passengers are protected, even if you’re at fault in the accident.
Will MedPay Cover Me If I’m Hit as a Pedestrian?
Yes. MedPay provides coverage if you’re injured as a pedestrian, regardless of who is at fault. In urban areas like Chicago, where pedestrian accidents are more common, MedPay offers extra protection when you’re not in your car. It’s a crucial add-on for anyone who walks, cycles, or is often outside their vehicle.
How Does MedPay Work With Other Insurance?
MedPay is designed to work with your health insurance. It can act as:
- Primary insurance: Paying your medical bills up to the policy’s limit, regardless of other insurance.
- Secondary insurance: Covering your health insurance deductibles or co-pays, saving you from out-of-pocket expenses.
If you don’t have health insurance, MedPay acts as your main protection, covering necessary medical treatments after a car accident.
Why Do You Need MedPay in Illinois?
Although MedPay is not required in Illinois, it’s highly recommended for many drivers. Here’s why:
- Covers your injuries if you’re at fault: In Illinois, which follows an at-fault insurance system, MedPay is the only coverage that will pay for your own injuries after an accident, unless the other driver’s insurance covers them.
- Fast, no-fault payout: MedPay pays immediately, so you don’t have to wait for an investigation or lawsuit to determine who’s responsible.
- Low cost, high value: MedPay is inexpensive to add to your policy, often just a few dollars a month. It can save you thousands in medical expenses after an accident.
How Can You Add or Adjust MedPay on Your Car Insurance?
Adding MedPay to your policy is simple. When getting a quote for auto insurance, you can select your MedPay coverage limit (commonly $1,000, $5,000, or $10,000 per person). If you already have insurance, check your policy or ask your agent about adding MedPay. Once added, it will take effect immediately.
At Insure on the Spot, we make it easy to add or adjust MedPay. You can get a free quote online or call us at 773-202-5060 for personalized assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions about MedPay
Q: Do I need medical payments coverage on my car insurance?
A: While not legally required, MedPay is highly recommended. It ensures that your medical bills are covered after a crash, regardless of who is at fault. It’s especially useful if you don’t have health insurance or have a high deductible.
Q: What’s the difference between MedPay and PIP coverage?
A: MedPay covers medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault. PIP (Personal Injury Protection), which is mandatory in some no-fault states, covers broader expenses, including lost wages and rehabilitation. In Illinois, MedPay is the only option for no-fault medical coverage.
Q: What does MedPay cover (and not cover)?
A: MedPay covers medical and funeral expenses resulting from an accident. This includes ambulance rides, hospital bills, surgeries, and X-rays. It does not cover lost wages or non-medical expenses like childcare.
Q: Is Medical Payments coverage required in Illinois?
A: No. Illinois only requires liability insurance for bodily injury. MedPay is optional, but it offers valuable protection for your own medical bills.
Get a Quote Today!
For more information or to add MedPay to your policy, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060. Our team is here to help you get the coverage you need and keep you protected on the road.