Do I Need Medical Payments Coverage on My Motorcycle Insurance Policy?

Riding a motorcycle can be an exciting form of recreation and transportation. However, it does come with increased risk of injury if you’re in an accident. That’s why having proper medical payments coverage as part of your motorcycle insurance policy is so important. This article will explain what medical payments coverage is, what it covers, how much it costs, who needs it, and whether you should purchase this valuable add-on protection.

What is Medical Payments Coverage for Motorcycle Insurance?

Also referred to as MedPay, medical payments coverage is an elective addition to a motorcycle insurance policy that helps pay for medical treatment needed after certain types of accidents.

It covers:

• Ambulance transportation
• Hospital stays
• Doctor visits
• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic treatment
• Funeral expenses

MedPay acts as supplementary health insurance specifically for motorbike-related injuries. It typically pays within 2 weeks of an accident and can be used to help cover medical expenses not paid for by your primary health insurance.

What Does Medical Payments Coverage Cover That Health Insurance Won’t?

While your health insurance will pay for most medical bills in the event of a motorcycle accident, there are some key gaps that MedPay helps fill:

• Deductibles – MedPay helps cover your health insurance deductible.

• Co-pays – It pays any co-pays required by your primary health plan.

• Ambulance rides – Health insurance often doesn’t fully cover ambulance transportation.

• Coverage limits – Once you hit your health plan’s limit, MedPay provides additional funds.

• Funeral costs – If you pass away from a motorbike accident, MedPay pays for funeral services.

Having both health insurance AND medical payments coverage provides complete, overlapping protection.

How Much Does Medical Payments Coverage Cost for Motorcycle Insurance?

The cost of medical payments coverage varies depending on factors like:

• Your age
• Type of motorcycle
• Coverage amount
• Insurance company

Typical ranges are:

• $100,000 in coverage: $20 – $40 per month
• $50,000 in coverage: $10 – $25 per month
• $25,000 in coverage: $7 – $15 per month

Securing higher MedPay limits for maximum protection raises your costs slightly. But the extra peace of mind is often worth it.

Who Needs Medical Payments Coverage for Motorcycle Insurance?

Medical payments coverage is always optional, but highly recommended for:

• Motorcyclists who want extra protection beyond health insurance
• Anyone without comprehensive health insurance
• Motorbike owners who travel frequently
• Families with insufficient health coverage
• Riders who can’t afford high deductibles and co-pays

If you have top-tier health insurance with low out-of-pocket costs, you may be able to skip MedPay coverage. For most riders, though, this add-on protection provides invaluable financial security.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Motorcycle Medical Payments Coverage?

Pros

• Covers deductibles and co-pays your health insurer doesn’t
• Provides extra coverage once health policy limits are reached
• Quick payouts within 14 days to cover immediate medical costs
• Covers ambulance transportation many health plans don’t
• Additional protection for riders who lack health insurance
• Relatively inexpensive addition to bolster coverage

Cons

• Overlaps with health insurance, resulting in dual coverage
• Not necessary for policyholders with ample health insurance
• Typically only pays out after a motorbike accident
• Doesn’t cover long-term care or rehabilitation
• Doesn’t provide income replacement from lost wages

For most motorcyclists, the pros heavily outweigh the cons of having medical payments coverage.

What Happens If I Don’t Have Medical Payments Coverage on My Motorcycle Policy?

Without medical payments coverage, you’ll have to pay for any motorcycle accident-related medical costs not covered by your health insurer entirely out-of-pocket.

This could include:

• Ambulance bills
• Emergency room fees
• Medical equipment rentals
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medications
• Follow-up doctor visits

These expenses quickly add up. Without MedPay, you may drain your savings to cover accident costs beyond what your health insurance pays.

How Much Medical Payments Coverage Should I Get?

Most experts recommend securing motorcycle medical payments coverage limits equal to or higher than your health insurance policy’s limits.

For example, if your health plan has a $100,000 maximum payout, choose $100,000 or more in MedPay coverage. That ensures optimum overlapping protection.

$100,000 is a common MedPay limit, but you can also choose lower amounts like $50,000 or $25,000 to save on premiums. Just recognize lower limits mean less protection.

Final Thoughts on Medical Payments Coverage for Motorcycle Insurance

Medical payments coverage is inexpensive yet offers invaluable health insurance protection following a motorcycle accident. While not mandatory, it provides vital benefits that can prevent financial hardship if you or a family member is injured.

Consider your own health coverage, driving habits, bike type, budget, and risk comfort level when deciding if medical payments coverage is right for your policy. For most riders, it’s a wise investment that pays for itself following an accident.

Discuss your options with a motorcycle insurance agent to determine adequate coverage limits and costs. And don’t assume health insurance alone is enough – look into combining it with medical payments for robust protection that leaves you fully covered following a crash.