If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash, one of the first questions you might ask is simple: Will my health insurance cover this? It’s a fair question—and an important one. The truth is, the answer depends on several things, but we’ll walk you through it clearly. At Bonardi & Uzdavinis, LLP, we’ve helped many riders figure this out. Some were still in pain. Some were overwhelmed with bills. All wanted to know what their insurance would actually pay for.
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Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand.
First: Yes, Health Insurance Can Cover Motorcycle Injuries
Most of the time, your health insurance will help pay for medical care after a motorcycle crash. That includes things like:
- Emergency room visits
- Surgery
- Hospital stays
- Physical therapy
- Medication
This is what health insurance is for—helping you pay for care when you get hurt. But… and this is a big “but”… it doesn’t always work the way people think it does.
You May Still Have Out-of-Pocket Costs
Just because you have health insurance doesn’t mean you’ll pay nothing. You might still have:
- Deductibles
- Copays
- Coinsurance
- Bills for services not covered
Also, if the hospital is out-of-network, you may be charged more. So yes, insurance can help—but it doesn’t always cover 100%. Keep that in mind.
What About Motorcycle Insurance?
Health insurance isn’t the only type of coverage involved in a crash. If you have motorcycle insurance, that policy may include something called Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Let’s talk about both.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
This helps pay your medical bills, no matter who caused the crash. It covers things like ambulance rides and X-rays. If you don’t have it, your health insurance might be the only help you get.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Some states require PIP, but many do not for motorcycles. Florida, for example, does not require PIP for motorcycles. So most riders here do not have it. If you’re reading this and you’re not sure what your policy covers—check now. Don’t wait for a crash to find out.
If Someone Else Caused the Crash
If another driver hit you, their auto insurance should cover your medical bills. But here’s the problem: insurance companies don’t just hand over money. You’ll need to file a claim. You may need to prove the other person caused the crash. And even then, they might offer less than your bills cost. This is where things can get hard. And why you may need a lawyer.
Health Insurance May Ask to Be Paid Back
Here’s something a lot of people don’t know. If your health insurance pays your bills and you later get a settlement from another driver’s insurance, your health insurance company might want some of that money back. This is called subrogation. Let’s say your insurance pays $20,000 for surgery. Later, you settle for $50,000 from the driver who hit you. Your insurance company might say, “We want that $20,000 back.” Yes, really. It sounds unfair, but it’s in the fine print of most insurance plans. At Bonardi & Uzdavinis, LLP, we’ve helped clients reduce or avoid this repayment. It’s not automatic. You can negotiate, especially if the settlement isn’t enough to cover everything.
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Contact Bonardi & Uzdavinis without delay to arrange a FREE consultation.
What If You Don’t Have Health Insurance?
That makes things harder—but not impossible. If you don’t have insurance, your bills will come to you directly. You may be able to:
- Use MedPay, if you have it
- Seek payment from the other driver’s insurance
- Arrange payment plans with hospitals
- Work with an attorney to delay payment until your case settles
Some doctors or clinics may agree to treat you with a lien. This means they’ll wait for payment until your legal case is over. Not every provider will do this, but it’s worth asking.
Coverage Can Depend on the Type of Health Plan
Not all health insurance works the same way. If you have an HMO, you may need to see doctors in your network. If you don’t, you could be stuck with more bills. If you’re on Medicaid or Medicare, they will usually cover your care—but they also have strict rules about being paid back if you get a settlement. And if your health plan is through your job, check the benefits carefully. Some workplace plans are ERISA plans, which can have stronger rights when it comes to reimbursement.
Common Medical Costs After a Motorcycle Crash
Let’s say you broke a leg or suffered head trauma in a crash. You could be looking at costs like:
- $1,200 for an ambulance ride
- $5,000+ for an emergency room visit
- $30,000+ for surgery
- $10,000+ for a hospital stay
- $2,000/month for physical therapy
And that’s just the start. Some injuries take months—or years—to heal. Some never do. That’s why it’s so important to know where coverage starts and stops.
Should You Still Use Health Insurance If You Plan to Sue?
Yes. Use your health insurance as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the other driver’s insurance to pay. That can take months. And your health should come first. Later, if you get a settlement, your lawyer can help sort out the bills and negotiate with insurers. But for now, get treated. Use the insurance you have.
Can You Sue If Insurance Doesn’t Cover Enough?
Yes, you can sue the person who caused the crash. And sometimes, you should. If your medical bills are more than what their insurance will pay, a lawsuit may be the only way to recover the rest. This is especially true if you lost wages, have lasting pain, or need ongoing care. Just know—lawsuits take time. Months, even years. So while you’re healing, insurance is often your first lifeline.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Different
Motorcycle crashes tend to be more serious than car crashes. You don’t have the same protection. No airbags. No seatbelt. Just you and the road. So injuries are often worse. Which means the medical bills are higher. And insurance becomes even more important.
Quick Tips If You’re In a Motorcycle Accident
- Get medical care right away – even if you feel okay
- Tell your doctor it was a motorcycle crash – this helps with billing
- Use your health insurance if you have it
- Check your motorcycle insurance for MedPay
- Keep all medical bills and records
- Talk to a lawyer before settling with any insurance company
Final Thought: Don’t Guess—Get Help
Trying to figure out insurance rules while dealing with an injury? That’s too much to handle alone. At Bonardi & Uzdavinis, LLP, we help riders like you every day. We answer your questions. We deal with the insurance companies. We fight to make sure you’re not stuck with bills you shouldn’t have to pay. If you’re not sure what your health plan covers, or you’re getting calls about unpaid bills—don’t wait. Let us help. A free call can make all the difference.
Feel Free To Schedule A Consultation
Contact Bonardi & Uzdavinis without delay to arrange a FREE consultation.
