Who Pays Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
Health insurance, MedPay, PIP and the at-fault driver's insurer may all play a role. Here is how medical bills are usually handled after a crash.
Medical bills can arrive before you know whether the other driver's insurer will pay. Who covers what depends on your state, your own policies and who was at fault. This overview explains the usual sources of payment.
Your health insurance
Many people use their health insurance first so treatment is not delayed. Your health insurer may later seek reimbursement from any settlement you receive. This is often called a lien or subrogation claim.
Medical payments coverage (MedPay)
Some auto policies include MedPay, which can cover medical expenses for you and your passengers regardless of fault, up to the policy limit.
Personal injury protection (PIP) and no-fault states
In no-fault states, your own auto policy's PIP coverage pays certain medical costs and sometimes lost wages after a crash, no matter who caused it. Rules about when you can also claim against the other driver vary by state.
The at-fault driver's insurance
If another driver caused the crash, their liability insurance may eventually compensate you for medical bills and other losses, usually through a settlement. This can take months, and the insurer decides what it will accept as reasonable and related to the crash.
Uninsured and underinsured drivers
If the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if you have it, may help.
| Source | Who it can cover | Depends on fault? |
|---|---|---|
| Health insurance | You | No |
| MedPay | You and passengers | No |
| PIP (no-fault states) | You and passengers | No |
| At-fault driver's liability insurance | You (as the injured party) | Yes |
| Your UM/UIM coverage | You | Yes (other driver uninsured/underinsured) |
Tips for handling bills
- Keep every bill, receipt and explanation of benefits in one place.
- Tell each provider about the accident so they can bill the right insurer.
- Do not ignore bills. Ask about payment plans or holds while a claim is pending.
- Ask any lawyer you consult how liens will be handled before you settle.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use my health insurance after a car accident?
Often yes, so you can get care without delay. Be aware your health insurer may seek repayment from a later settlement.
Will the other driver's insurance pay my bills right away?
Usually not. Payment typically comes through a settlement after the insurer investigates, which can take months.
What is MedPay?
Medical payments coverage is an optional part of some auto policies that helps pay medical costs for you and your passengers regardless of fault.