Auto Insurance and Medical Benefits

PA Auto Insurance: Why Purchasing More Medical Benefits is Important

When an automobile accident occurs, whether you are a driver or a passenger, the medical expenses will be billed to your own automobile insurance, even if the automobile accident was not your fault.

Pennsylvania is a modified no-fault state which means when you are injured in an automobile accident, each injured person will turn to their own automobile insurance company to seek payment of their own medical bills.  

Opening a claim means that all billable services will be billed to your automobile insurance rather than your health insurance.  An advantage to you is that there will be no co-payments or deductibles charged when you use your automobile insurance.  

Once a claim is opened, your automobile insurance will pay for your first party medical expenses until you have reached the limits you purchased.  

The amount of coverage will depend on an individual’s specific policy.  In Pennsylvania you must have at least $5,000.00 in medical coverage.  If your treatment exceeds the limit you purchased, your health insurance will begin to pay for your medical bills.  

Why You Should opt for More Coverage

The first reason to consider opting for more medical coverage rather than the minimum of $5,000.00 is the typical low cost.   Upgrading your medical coverage is usually very inexpensive, sometimes as low as a few dollars more per month; however, it is important to run these numbers with your local insurance agent.

The second reason to consider opting for more medical benefits on your auto insurance policy is because there is no deductible to meet or copays.

Once you have exhausted all medical benefits on your car insurance policy, your heath issue coverage will kick in to cover your medical costs.

Heath insurance can carry high deductibles and copays which means more out-of- pocket expenses for you.

Having all your medical bills covered by your car insurance will save you money in the long run.

If you are not at fault for the automobile accident you may file a personal injury claim to pay for damages such as pain and suffering, wage loss and out-of-pocket medical expenses.  If you are successful at making a recovery, you may owe your health insurance money back for the medical expenses they paid on your behalf.  The determination of whether your insurer is entitled to be paid back is a question that we at Berger and Green can help with.  

Recovering compensation after an accident:

If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, it is important you get the compensation you need.

Contact the personal injury attorneys at Berger and Green.  Our attorneys will provide you with a free no obligation consultation to evaluate your case.  Call 412-661-1400 to speak with one of our lawyers today.