Medical payments coverage (MedPay) in North Carolina auto insurance

Medical payments coverage (MedPay) is an optional add-on to your NC auto insurance policy. It pays for medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. No fault determination needed, no waiting for the at-fault carrier to accept liability.

• Doctor visits and hospital stays resulting from an auto accident
• Surgery and emergency room care
• Ambulance transportation
• Funeral expenses in the event of a fatality
• Dental and chiropractic treatment (varies by policy)

MedPay does not cover lost wages, property damage, or liability to others. It's a medical expense coverage, not a replacement for liability or disability insurance.

Health insurance may cover accident injuries, but with deductibles, copays, and network restrictions. MedPay pays on top of health insurance, it can cover the out-of-pocket costs your health plan doesn't. It also typically doesn't subrogate against your personal injury recovery the way health plans sometimes do, which matters when you're pursuing a claim against an at-fault driver.

MedPay is typically offered in limits from $1,000 to $10,000. The cost is minimal, often $5 to $15 per year for $5,000 of coverage. The out-of-pocket medical costs after even a minor accident can easily exceed the annual premium for MedPay.

MedPay also covers passengers in your vehicle regardless of their own insurance situation. A friend or family member injured in your car is covered up to the policy limit.