What Is Medical Payment Insurance?

When someone is injured in a car accident or some other unexpected event, one pressing concern is obtaining quick and appropriate medical care. That's where Medical Payment insurance comes in, even if you have private health insurance.

Medical Payment coverage, also known as MedPay, is included in certain car insurance policies. It pays for an ambulance and other medical expenses, including dental, whether you were at fault for the accident or not. It also covers passengers in your car, if you're hit while you're walking or cycling and, in the worst case, funeral expenses. It can also cover extended hospital and rehabilitation costs, private health insurance deductibles and expenses after your regular health insurance limits are exceeded.

Some states require drivers to have MedPay. Other states don't have plans available at all or only in certain situations. In states that have no-fault car insurance, drivers' policies usually include personal injury protection, or PIP, coverage, which is similar to MedPay. Because MedPay is intended for immediate needs after an accident, coverage limits are low. According to Bankrate, the premium for MedPay as of 2014 is often less than $20 annually for up to $10,000 in coverage.