An insurance claim after a motorcycle accident could take months, especially in an at-fault state like Texas. You’ll need to prove the other driver was responsible before their insurer will pay for your medical treatment.
With medical costs mounting fast, you may consider filing a claim with your health insurance company as a quick solution. Does health insurance cover motorcycle accident injuries in Texas? More importantly, should you use your private health insurance in this situation?
Will Health Insurance Cover Motorcycle Injuries in Texas?
Yes, it probably will. Your health insurance policy may cover your medical bills after a motorcycle accident up to your policy’s limit. You will need to check with your insurer to learn what your specific policy pays for.
However, another question you should ask yourself is, “Should I use my health insurance after a motorbike accident?” While it’s possible to tap into your health insurance, you may have better options.
What You May Expect Your Health Insurance to Cover After an Accident
Your health insurance may cover post-accident medical expenses like:
- Doctor’s visits
- Prescription medication
- Hospital visits
- Surgery
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
However, your policy won’t cover anything beyond medical costs, like missed days at work or the expenses of repairing your car. Nor will it compensate for non-economic losses (otherwise known as pain and suffering). You may still incur out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles, co-pays, and treatments that aren’t covered by your insurance.
If you have Medicare or Medicaid, you may be able to avoid out-of-pocket expenses. However, coverage may be limited. Whether you have traditional health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, you can most likely rely on these benefits until your case is successfully resolved.
Should You Use Your Health Insurance After a Texas Motorcycle Accident?
Even though the answer to “Does health insurance cover motorcycle accident injuries?” is “Usually, yes,” this doesn’t mean using your private health insurance is the right solution under these circumstances.
After your case is resolved, your insurance company can seek payment, or you may be asked to reimburse your insurance company from your settlement. Because your insurer will seek reimbursement out of your final settlement check, activating your health insurance could reduce your ultimate payout. Talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer before activating your policy.
Typically, the right course of action is an auto accident claim against the at-fault motorist’s insurance company. If you have a solid case, your settlement could cover not just your current medical bills but also vehicle repairs, lost wages, reduced ability to work, and pain and suffering.
Alternative Options for Medical Coverage for Motorcycle Crashes
Depending on your auto insurance policy, you may elect to use your auto coverage to pay for medical expenses. This can be done in one of two ways:
- PIP: Short for personal injury protection, PIP is a motorcycle accident insurance coverage add-on that can be used to pay for medical expenses. It can also be extended to cover lost income and other miscellaneous expenses not covered by traditional health insurance.
- Medical payments coverage: Sometimes referred to as MedPay, this coverage can pay for whatever health insurance pays, including any deductibles and co-pays. It can also apply to passengers, and it can be used even if you are found at fault for a crash.
What to Do If You Need Quick Medical Coverage After a Motorcycle Accident
The problem with motorcycle accident claims is the time they take. Depending on your case, many months may pass until you see your settlement. In the meantime, you must cover your medical costs out of pocket.
A medical lien could help tide you over in this situation. A medical or hospital lien means a healthcare provider defers your bills until you collect your settlement. Then, your medical expenses come out of your payout.
You could also apply for legal funding, a type of quick, non-recourse loan that can help cover your medical and other expenses until your case settles. You’d only need to pay back the funds if and when you collect compensation.
What If You Were Hit By an Uninsured Motorist?
If it turns out that the motorist who hit you was uninsured or that their policy doesn’t cover all your losses, your Texas uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage may step in. We strongly recommend carrying UM/UIM coverage for extra protection against such scenarios.
Call Dow Law Firm After a Motorcycle Accident in Austin, Texas
At The Dow Law Firm, we fight for the rights of motorcycle accident victims in Austin, TX. With decades of practice and many successfully settled cases under our belts, we’re the legal team you need when preparing to claim compensation after a serious accident.
If you have questions beyond “Does health insurance cover motorcycle accident injuries?” call (512) 240-9951 or contact us online for a free consultation with our Austin motorcycle accident attorneys.