What If Auto Insurance Isn’t Enough To Cover Medical Bills?

Auto insurance in states like California can help cover medical bills after an accident, but it has limits. Sometimes those limits aren’t enough to cover everything, especially when more expensive treatments or services are involved, such as a helicopter transport to a nearby hospital or emergency surgery.

Policy Limits

Policy limits in California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, and nearby states may not cover all costs, since providers are only required to pay up to the maximum amount listed in the policy. That said, the maximum amount can still cover a significant portion of the total cost. If the other driver is found at fault, their provider is responsible for paying up to that maximum. Beyond that, your own policy may help if you carry underinsured motorist coverage. An agent at Avail Insurance Solutions LLC can help you learn more about how this process works.

Health Insurance

Health insurance companies aren’t always obligated to pay your medical bills after an accident. That said, some will cover the cost upfront and then seek reimbursement from the at-fault party afterward. It’s worth contacting your health insurance company to see whether this option is available to you, since it varies by state and provider. For example, a carrier in Arizona might cover treatment costs upfront, while a carrier in Nevada might decline the claim under similar circumstances.

Financial Assistance

Many hospitals offer financial assistance programs to help cover medical bills. Some hospitals, including those in Oregon, follow policies that require a waiting period before sending unpaid bills to collections, giving patients time to apply for assistance.

We understand this can be a stressful time. Compassionate agents at Avail Insurance Solutions LLC can help you better understand how this process works. Contact us today. We’re currently serving Nevada, California, Oregon, and Arizona.