Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Medical Bills?

While riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating and freeing pastime, it is not without its unique risks. That’s why insuring your valuable bike with the right kind of coverage is important so that you can get reimbursement if something bad happens on the road. Hope this doesn’t turn out like this but what if you have an accident and need medical care? Will insurance companies pay the medical bills for you? If yes, which of your insurance coverage will kick in: motorcycle insurance or health insurance? In a situation like this, many riders often want to know if their motorcycle insurance covers medical bills for accident-related injuries. Let’s answer this question in detail.

Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Medical Bills?

The shortest answer to this question is Yes. Your motorcycle insurance does cover medical bills, but it depends on the type of coverage you choose. When you consider getting motorcycle insurance, it's important to carefully read the policy details and terms and conditions. Since many insurers may not offer sufficient coverage limits, this thorough review will help you learn how much your insurance will pay for medical expenses.

In all states except Florida, every rider must have a basic insurance policy covering property damage and bodily injury. If you're in an accident where the other party is at fault, their insurance company should cover your medical bills and other accident-related damages. However, this may not cover all expenses, especially for serious injuries and damages. That is why you must have the right motorbike insurance that provides maximum coverage for paying outstanding medical bills.

Generally, most insurance companies offer different types of motorcycle insurance coverage. Some of them cover both medical expenses and property damage. The following are examples of common motorbike insurance policies:

• Liability Insurance (pay for any accident-related costs to others if you’re at fault.)
• Personal Injury Protection (For No-Fault States)
• Medical Payment Coverage (AKA MedPay)
• Comprehensive Coverage
• Collision Coverage
• Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Apart from this coverage, many insurers may offer special add-on options, including roadside assistance (e.g., towing fees), trailer coverage (to transport your motorcycle) extra coverage (personal belongings such as helmet, phone, or total loss), and custom parts and accessories.

If you want your motorcycle insurance to pay for your medical bills, you must have either Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payment (MedPay) coverage. Both these motorcycle insurance policies can help you cover the damage resulting from motorcycle accidents.

Medical Expenses Typically Covered by Motorcycle Insurance

If you have motorcycle insurance that includes Medical Payment (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP), they can help you financially when you need it most. Both insurance coverages can support you for various medical expenses after an accident. And the best part is that these coverages are designed to help you manage the costs associated with your recovery, regardless of who is at fault.

MedPay usually prioritizes covering immediate medical expenses. On the other hand, PIP offers more extensive protection, covering both medical and non-medical costs like lost wages. Motorcycle insurance often pays for the following medical costs:

• Hospital Stays
• Doctor Visits
• Surgeries
• Ambulance and EMT fees
• Physical Therapy
• Prescription Medications
• Health Insurance Deductibles
• Co-Pays
• Home Nursing Care
• Dental Care
• Funeral Costs

It’s important to note that Medical Payment Coverage (MedPay) is an optional coverage plan and isn’t required by law. But it’s available in all states. However, you can register your bike for PIP coverage in no-fault states only.

How Are Motorcycle Accident Medical Bills Paid? 

The motorcycle insurance payment procedure is almost similar to car insurance. The way medical bills are paid resulting from motorcycle accidents depends on several factors, including your situation, state laws, and insurers. In no-fault states, your own insurance typically pays medical expenses through PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage, no matter who caused the accident. So, you’ll get paid in a fast and smooth process and can ensure timely medical care.

On the other hand, in a fault state, the process can be a little more complex. If another driver is at fault, you may need to file a claim against their bodily Injury Liability insurance to cover your medical bills. However, this can take time to approve your claim as the insurance company must make sure that the accident occurs for the other party’s negligence. In such cases, you might also use your own Medical payment (MedPay) coverage or health insurance to cover immediate expenses while the claim is processed.

Learn More: What Does Full Coverage Motorcycle Insurance Cover?

What Type of Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Do I Need for Covering My Medical Bills?

When you’re thinking of getting motorcycle insurance coverage for covering medical expenses, Medical Payment (MedPay) and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) are among the best. No matter whether you’re at fault in an accident or not, both these coverages can deliver sufficient coverage for medical costs as long as they don’t exceed your coverage limit.

MedPay, as you have learned, is specifically crafted for those who are concerned about medical costs, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and even surgery. It’s the simplest option and surely a good choice if you want direct coverage for instant medical bills.
 
However, if you ride in a no-fault state, PIP may extend your medical coverage. It covers medical bills, lost wages, at-home care, and other related expenses if you and your passengers get injured in a motorcycle accident. 

Both these coverages can be particularly valuable if your health insurance has high deductibles or limited coverages for motorcycle-related injuries. However, before you get your insurance plan, you should assess your personal needs and consider your state’s requirements. 

Always remember the right coverage depends on:

• Your financial situation
• Riding frequency
• Existing health insurance plan 

Comparing PIP Vs. Medical Payment Coverage

Both Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medical Payment Coverage (MedPay) coverage can help pay for medical bills following an accident. However, they serve different purposes and have different benefits.

PIP is required by law in no-fault states but only for auto insurance. It’s more comprehensive because it covers not only medical expenses but also other costs. This coverage varies depending on your state of residence. Here’s what it may cover:

• Medical bills for you and those covered under your policy
• Medical bills can also be paid if you’re hit by a car while walking or riding.
• Provide lost wages if you or your passengers are injured and unable to work.
• Covers costs related to disability or rehabilitation after an accident.
• Includes costs for household services such as childcare, housecleaning, or yard work if you’re unable to perform these tasks.
• Provide death benefits or payment to your family in case of a fatal accident.

On the other hand, medical payment coverage focuses solely on medical expenses. It’s optional coverage. So, it’s not compulsory to carry this sort of coverage. Although it comes with a lower coverage limit (the maximum amount your insurer will pay for a MedPay claim), you should choose a higher limit to get the maximum coverage. MedPay can help cover health insurance deductibles, co-pays, and immediate medical expenses.

Do I Have to Have MedPay Coverage on My Motorcycle?

Motorcycle accidents can be fatal, especially if you don’t wear a helmet. This is why it’s highly recommended to get Medical Payment coverage. However, it’s not legally required. Whether you require MedPay on your motorcycle depends on your situation and the state you live in. It’s optional in most states and covers medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of who is responsible for the accidents. MedPay coverage can be useful if you have high deductibles on your health insurance or if your health insurance doesn’t cover motorcycle insurance-related injuries. Before you purchase MedPay coverage, you need to consider several factors. 

Factors to Consider for Medical Payment Coverage 

To make sure you’re fully protected with MedPay, you need to evaluate the following essential factors:

1. Coordination with Health Insurance: If you already have health insurance, you should understand how MedPay will work alongside it. Generally, it can pay for any gaps in your health insurance, particularly for accident-related medical expenses.
2. Coverage Limits: Decide how much Medical Payment coverage you need. Most of the time, MedPay coverage has a set limit that you can pick based on your needs. You should make sure that the coverage level is high enough to cover any medical bills that might come up, such as those for hospital stays, surgeries, and other treatments.
3. State Requirements: Some states may have specific requirements for MedPay or alternative coverage like Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Be aware of your state’s regulations to comply with the law and secure the best protection for you and your passengers. Not that typically PIP is excluded from motorcycle insurance policies.
4. Deductibles: MedPay coverage comes with a deductible which is the amount you have to pay out of your own pocket before your insurance starts covering the rest. For example, if your deductible is $500 and your claim is $1500, you’ll pay $500, and your insurance will cover the remaining $1000. Consider how this deductible aligns with your financial situation and your ability to pay upfront costs after an accident.
5. Riding Habits: If you frequently ride with passengers or engage in long-distance trips, MedPay can help cover unexpected medical costs. Consider how often and where you ride when deciding the amount of coverage you need.

Related Article: How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost?

Does Medical Insurance Cover Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Yes, medical insurance can cover motorcycle accident injuries. However, coverage may vary based on your health insurance plan. Generally, medical insurance or health insurance covers emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation services following a motorcycle accident. It can also pay for ongoing medical treatments like physical therapy.

However, there are limitations. Some health insurance plans may exclude motorcycle injuries altogether or impose higher deductibles and co-pays for these accidents. Besides, health insurance usually doesn’t cover non-medical expenses related to motorcycle injuries such as lost wages or home care services.

That’s why, to fill these gaps, it would be ideal if you add Personal Injury Protection as well as Medical Payment Coverage to your motorcycle insurance. 

Get the Right Motorcycle Insurance from L.A. Insurance

For over 32 years, L.A. Insurance has been providing cheap motorcycle insurance across the United States. We offer all motorcycle insurance coverages including PIP, MedPay, comprehensive, collision, underinsured, and uninsured motorist coverage. Our dedicated insurance agents can help you find suitable coverage at the lowest rate that covers medical bills after a motorcycle accident. As a trusted and affordable insurance agency, we understand your needs. So, with us, you can protect your ride with a policy that fits your budget. Get your motorcycle insurance quote from L.A. Insurance right away.

The Bottom Line

To sum up, medical bills can be paid for by your motorbike insurance. But it depends on your policy and the laws in your state. It is suggested that you look into both PIP and Medical Payment coverage (MedPay) if you want to get medical bills paid after a motorcycle accident. Depending on the state, PIP can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and even housekeeping. MedPay helps pay hospital bills no matter who is at fault. Both have pros and cons, but PIP covers more than hospital bills. But if you don't have health insurance, it's very important to have enough motorcycle insurance to cover any medical bills that might come up. Talk to an insurance agent to make sure you get the right coverage for your needs and the standards of your state.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How Much Medical Payments Coverage Do I Need?

When deciding how much Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage you need, you should consider your health insurance situation and state regulations. MedPay coverage limits typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on your insurance company. Ideally, your coverage limit should match your health insurance deductible which will allow MedPay to cover any out-of-pocket medical expenses. However, if you don’t have health insurance, it’s wise to choose a higher MedPay limit to make sure you can handle medical bills after a motorcycle accident.

Does Medicare Cover Motorcycle Accidents?

Medicare or Medicaid can cover medical bills resulting from motorcycle accidents, but only after any other insurance, like MedPay or PIP, is exhausted. These programs typically act as secondary coverage that ultimately fills gaps left by other insurance. Besides, the type of coordination you have with health insurance also determines which of your insurance will act as primary coverage.

Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Funeral Expenses? 

Yes, motorcycle insurance covers funeral expenses through personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP is offered in some no-fault states to help with costs such as medical bills, lost wages, and funeral expenses if you’re injured in an accident. It can also cover services like childcare.

Do I Have to Have PIP on Motorcycle Insurance for Covering Medical Bills? 

No. there’s no legal obligation to carry Personal Injury Protection for motorcycle insurance. However, this policy is mandatory for car insurance policyholders, especially when they are living and driving in any of the no-fault insurance states. If you want PIP coverage for your bike to cover your medical bills, you need to talk to your motorcycle insurance company and purchase one separately.

Do I Need to Have Motorcycle Insurance in Texas? 

Yes. Like car insurance, in most states including Texas, you’re required to carry motorcycle insurance. In the case of Texas, the minimum liability limit for motorcycles is 30/60/25. This means $30,000 for one injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.