Does Health Insurance Cover Auto Accidents?

The National Safety Council reports that nearly 5.4 million people experienced car crash injuries and another 46,980 died in vehicle accidents in 2021. Just the year before (2020), the estimated total cost of vehicle-related accidents in the US was $474 billion.

Many of the costs related to these accidents were covered by various types of insurance, but not all.

In Nevada, understanding how health insurance applies to car accidents is crucial for anyone driving on its roads.

From the urban excitement of Las Vegas and Reno to the natural beauty of sprawling deserts and mountains, knowing what to expect in terms of coverage can make a significant difference in how you handle medical expenses after an accident.

So, does health insurance cover auto accidents in the Silver State?

Let’s find out.

Understanding Health Insurance Coverage

Health insurance policies vary widely in what they cover, especially when it comes to vehicle accidents and crashes. While injuries sustained in accidents are typically covered, the specifics can depend on several factors, including your insurance provider, policy details, and the circumstances of the accident.

• Primary vs. Secondary Coverage: Health insurance often serves as secondary coverage in auto accidents. This means that if you’re injured in a car accident, your primary coverage for medical expenses would ideally come from auto insurance, specifically personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments (MedPay) coverage.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in Nevada: Nevada law requires drivers to carry PIP coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. PIP covers medical expenses for injuries from an auto accident, regardless of who was at fault. It can also cover other expenses like lost wages and funeral costs, depending on the policy limits.
• Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage: MedPay is another option available in Nevada, although not mandatory. Similar to PIP, MedPay covers medical expenses resulting from auto accidents, regardless of fault. It can be used to cover deductibles and copayments that health insurance might not cover.
• Coordination of Benefits: When both your health insurance and auto insurance cover medical expenses after an accident, coordination of your benefits is crucial. Typically, auto insurance (such as PIP or MedPay) pays first, and then health insurance covers the remaining expenses up to its policy limits. Coordinating these helps ensure that your medical bills are covered without leaving you and your family financially overwhelmed.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Even with coverage from both health insurance and auto insurance, there may still be some out-of-pocket expenses. These can include deductibles, copayments, and expenses that exceed your policy limits. Understanding your policy details and potential out-of-pocket costs in advance can help you plan and manage your finances effectively. If an accident has already happened, this is another area when a qualified car accident lawyer can step in and explain the details and limits of your coverage.
• Health Insurance Network Restrictions: Something else to consider is any network restrictions that your health insurance plan may have. If you need medical treatment from providers outside your health insurance network, it typically results in higher out-of-pocket costs. However, in emergencies such as auto accidents, insurers may provide provisions for out-of-network coverage to ensure timely medical care. This is another situation where it’s vital to understand the limits of your insurance policies.

Seeking Legal Advice

In Nevada, determining fault in auto accidents can affect how insurance coverage applies. Nevada is a comparative negligence state (NRS 41.141), meaning that if another party is at fault for the accident, their insurance typically covers your medical expenses through their liability coverage. However, if you’re partially at fault (each party in the auto accident is assigned a percentage of fault) or if the other party is uninsured, your own PIP or MedPay coverage becomes crucial.

Navigating these complex insurance coverage limitations after an auto accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re also dealing with injuries and potential long-term recovery. The advice of a qualified attorney specializing in personal injury law can help ensure you understand your rights and options for obtaining compensation for medical expenses and other damages and can make educated decisions about your future.

Understanding how health insurance covers auto accidents in Nevada involves knowing the role of PIP, MedPay, and a variety of other health insurance policies.

While health insurance often acts as secondary coverage, PIP and MedPay are the primary sources for medical expenses related to auto accidents. Coordination between these coverages and understanding policy details can significantly impact how your medical expenses are handled after an accident.

If you drive in Nevada, being prepared with the right insurance coverage and knowing your legal options can provide peace of mind and much-needed help in uncertain situations.

Have questions about an accident you’ve been involved in, or your coverage?

Our qualified and experienced car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp are here to get you answers and help protect your rights!