A health insurance claim after a car accident can take a significant toll on your finances, no matter your income. It’s no wonder that many people’s first question after a collision is, “Will health insurance pay for auto accident injuries?”
In short: Yes, health insurance coverage applies to most injuries from car accidents. However, your health insurance might not cover everything. You may need to rely on your car insurance or other sources of compensation to pay the balance of your medical bills and accident-related losses. A Gulfport car accident lawyer can help you evaluate your options and advise you about the best courses of action to pursue fair compensation from whoever caused the collision.
When Does Health Insurance Apply After a Car Accident?
In most cases, your health insurance will be the first option for coverage for your medical expenses after a car accident in Gulfport. However, if you have medical payments (MedPay) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, that coverage usually kicks in before your health insurance.
In Mississippi, the at-fault driver and their insurance company are ultimately responsible for paying your car accident injury expenses. But that compensation often comes after you resolve your legal case. If you receive a settlement or court award from the other driver, your health insurance company may legally request reimbursement for the bills they have already paid.
Overall, your health insurance will typically help cover the cost of your treatment, so you don’t have to pay everything upfront after the collision. However, you likely still have co-pays to cover and deductibles to meet. If you don’t want to be stuck paying out of pocket, you must seek compensation from whoever caused the crash.
What Health Insurance Does NOT Cover After a Crash
Health insurance can be a financial lifeline after a Gulfport car accident, but it doesn’t cover all your losses from the collision. Some losses that health insurance does not cover include:
- The full cost of medical bills – Most health insurance policies only cover a certain portion of your medical expenses. You could still be responsible for a large amount of medical costs even after your health insurance applies – unless you seek compensation from the at-fault party.
- Lost income from missing work – If your injuries keep you from working, health insurance won’t pay for your lost wages. To recover that money, you may need to file a personal injury claim or use other types of coverage, like disability insurance. Not all employers offer disability insurance, though, so you could face significant financial stress after a collision.
- Pain and suffering – Health insurance doesn’t cover an accident’s emotional and physical toll. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, or a lower quality of life, you must pursue compensation through a legal claim against whoever caused the crash.
- Future medical care and long-term rehabilitation – While health insurance may cover initial treatment, it might not pay for all your future therapies, surgeries, or medical equipment. Health insurers often deny coverage for medical treatments they deem “unnecessary” or “unreasonable.” If you need long-term care, it’s vital to account for those costs in any personal injury claim.
- Home or vehicle modifications – If your car accident injuries require accommodations, such as a wheelchair ramp or modified vehicle, your health plan likely won’t cover those expenses.
- Vehicle repairs or replacement – Health insurance only covers medical care. If your car is damaged or totaled in the accident, you must rely on your auto insurance or file a claim with the other driver’s insurer to cover the cost of repairs or a new vehicle.
Common Medical Costs After a Car Accident in Gulfport
Your medical expenses after a collision can add up quickly and may include:
- Ambulance transportation – If you’re severely hurt in a crash, you might need an ambulance to quickly get you to the hospital. Even short rides can lead to high transportation bills, especially if EMTs provide advanced life support during the trip.
- Emergency room visits – Medical responders may take you to the ER right after a crash for evaluation and treatment. These visits can involve expensive tests, scans, and trauma care.
- Hospital stays – More severe injuries may require you to spend days or weeks in the hospital. Costs include room charges, nursing care, medications, and any procedures done during your stay.
- Imaging tests – X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans are common after a crash to check for internal injuries, fractures, or head trauma. These tests can add thousands to your total medical expenses.
- Prosthetics – Depending on the nature of your injury, you may require prosthetic digits or limbs. These can be costly, and your health insurance plan may not cover the type of prosthetic you prefer.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation – Once you leave the hospital, you might need ongoing therapy to rebuild your strength, flexibility, or mobility. These sessions can last for weeks or months after a crash.
- Prescription medications – Your doctor might prescribe pain relievers, antibiotics, and other drugs during your recovery. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs for medications can add up quickly.
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What Other Options Do Car Accident Victims Have for Covering Medical Bills?
Even good health insurance is not enough to cover most people’s medical care after a car accident, particularly if they suffered catastrophic injuries. Other options to cover the cost of your losses after a crash include:
- Medical payments coverage through your auto insurance coverage
- Compensation from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance coverage
- Underinsured/uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if the other driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover your bills
- A personal injury lawsuit against the other driver or another liable party
You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for your losses after a collision someone else caused. An experienced Mississippi car accident attorney can help you evaluate your options for pursuing justice and compensation.
Talk to Our Gulfport Car Accident Lawyers
Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC can help you seek fair compensation for your medical bills and other losses from a Gulfport car accident. We’ve fought for injured people in Mississippi for over 10 years and have recovered millions for our clients, including a recent case where our client won a $700,000 settlement (although each case is unique and past results cannot guarantee future outcomes). Our clients also appreciate our dedication and commitment to their welfare, as you can see from our numerous testimonials.
Our Gulfport personal injury attorneys are ready to fight for you. Call (228) 872-8752 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.