Car accident — who pays the medical bills?

“Does health insurance cover injuries from a car accident?”

Fast Lane Driver

Dear Fast Lane Driver,

Health insurance will pay the medical bills for the injuries, but will go back to the car insurer (if there is one) to get their money back. The patient will be required to help the health insurer get the car insurer to pay; this generally means signing documents allowing the health insurer to recoup money it has paid, and that the car insurer later pays.

Health insurers have a system to catch these claims and go after the car company. It is usually obvious from the injury and the hospital’s bill that a car accident has occurred.  You do not need to worry about bringing it to their attention.  They are “on it”!

Linda Riddell

About Linda Riddell

A published author and health policy analyst with 25 years’ experience, Linda Riddell's goal is to alleviate the widespread ailment of not knowing what your health plan can do for you.