Will My Health Insurance Cover Car Accident Injuries?

Health insurance coverage may apply after a car accident, but it usually depends on your plan and how liability is determined. If you’re wondering: will my health insurance cover car accident injuries? In many cases, yes—but in Illinois, accident victims are generally expected to seek payment for medical bills through the at-fault driver’s auto insurance first. 

Health insurance typically acts as a secondary option once those funds are exhausted. However, not all policies treat car accident injuries the same way. Some health insurance companies require you to file a claim through your auto policy before they consider reimbursement. Others may limit coverage or delay payment until liability is resolved. 

Reviewing your policy and knowing what’s required upfront can help prevent unexpected gaps in care.

Health Insurance and Car Accident Injuries

After an auto accident, figuring out who pays your medical bills can be confusing, especially when both auto and health insurance companies are involved. Understanding how your insurance coverage applies helps you avoid delays in treatment and unexpected expenses. 

While many health insurance plans will contribute toward your care, their role often depends on how your auto insurance policy is structured and what exclusions apply.

Primary vs. Secondary Coverage

In most cases, the auto insurance policy tied to the vehicle involved is considered the primary payer for medical expenses. If your policy includes MedPay or personal injury protection, it may handle initial costs such as emergency care or diagnostic testing. Only after the coverage limit is reached will your health insurance step in. 

Many health insurance plans operate as secondary payers, meaning they cover what’s left after auto coverage has been applied. Knowing which insurance policy pays first can make it easier to manage your recovery and file claims properly.

ERISA Health Plans and Exclusions

Employer-sponsored health insurance, especially plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), can be more complicated. These plans may include exclusions for car accident injuries, particularly if the incident involves an at-fault driver or an active auto insurance claim. 

In some cases, ERISA plans will delay payment or deny coverage until liability is resolved. Always check your insurance policy language for any auto-related clauses so you know what to expect and can plan your next steps clearly.

Medical Insurance vs Auto Insurance Coverage

In Illinois, medical costs after a car accident are paid according to an at-fault system. That means the other driver’s insurance company—if it is found to be at fault—is generally responsible for covering accident-related medical expenses. 

However, this process isn’t always quick or straightforward. Multiple insurance companies, including your own car insurance company and any health insurance policy you may carry, are involved, making navigating the financial aftermath difficult.

If the at-fault driver’s insurance company is slow to accept liability or their policy limits are too low to cover all of your costs, you may need to turn to your own medical insurance for help. This could include using MedPay (Medical Payments Coverage), Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM), or your health insurance policy to handle initial treatment costs. 

Each type of coverage serves a specific purpose, and the order in which they apply will depend on the details of your plan and the policies involved.

What Medical Payments Are Covered After a Car Accident?

After a serious crash, accident-related medical bills can add up quickly. For those who suffer injuries in a collision, both health and auto insurance may help pay bills, but the extent of insurance coverage depends on the type of policy and the nature of the car accident claim. 

Typically, bills for emergency treatment, surgery, and inpatient stays are submitted to your health insurance first. However, your plan may only provide coverage for certain services or limit what it will pay based on network restrictions or exclusions.

Many treatment-related costs, such as physical therapy, prescription medications, and specialist visits, may be partially covered through your health insurance. If your plan denies specific services, your auto insurance policy may step in to help. 

Depending on the circumstances, MedPay or the at-fault driver’s liability coverage may be used to pay your medical bills. The key is understanding which insurance will cover car accident costs and when, especially when policies overlap or conflict.

Common medical expenses that may be covered include:

• Emergency room visits
• Surgery and hospitalization
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Prescription medication
• Follow-up visits with medical specialists

Always review your policy documents carefully and speak with an attorney if you’re unsure what coverage applies.

What Are the Out-of-Pocket Expenses After a Car Accident?

After a crash, even those with strong health insurance coverage often face unexpected out-of-pocket costs. While your own medical insurance coverage or auto insurance policy might cover medical expenses related to accident injuries, that coverage isn’t always complete. 

Most health insurance carriers require deductibles and cost-sharing for medical treatment, especially for emergency services or out-of-network care. And some types of medical care—like long-term therapy or chiropractic services—may not be included in your health insurance policy at all.

Common expenses not fully paid by health insurance coverage for car accident injuries include:

• Deductibles and copays
• Coinsurance (your share of the bill after insurance pays)
• Bills from out-of-network medical providers
• Medical expenses for treatments your health insurer excludes
• Ongoing medical treatment for accident injuries

Auto insurance companies sometimes offer Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay), which can reduce these out-of-pocket burdens. If your health insurance covers car accident-related care falls short, a personal injury claim may be needed to pursue full recovery.

An experienced car accident attorney can help you identify which costs your insurance covers for car accident injuries and hold the other driver’s insurance company responsible when necessary.

Does Car Insurance Cover Medical Bills After an Auto Accident?

Car insurance may help cover medical bills after an auto accident, but the type and amount of coverage depend on your policy and the specifics of the crash. In Illinois, insurance companies generally provide compensation through MedPay or the other driver’s insurance if they were at fault. 

MedPay pays for car accident injuries regardless of fault, while liability coverage from the at-fault party’s insurance carrier helps cover car accident injuries through a claim. It’s important to review your insurance policy to understand your coverage limits, especially if you need care beyond what health insurance or private insurance will pay for.

MedPay is a type of optional coverage that can help pay medical bills tied to a car accident, offering faster access to funds than waiting for a liability determination. This form of medical insurance may cover medical expenses such as:

• Emergency medical care
• Surgery and hospital stays
• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic treatment

While MedPay doesn’t replace health insurance, it can reduce out-of-pocket costs and act as a primary source of reimbursement until other insurance providers determine liability. If you’re navigating a complex claim, working with a personal injury attorney can help clarify how insurance companies should process your case and get your medical bills paid.

What If My Health Insurance Refuses to Cover Medical Expenses?

If your health insurance excludes auto-related injuries, or if your health insurance pays only a portion of the medical care you need, you’re not out of options. Illinois follows an at-fault system, which means you can file a car accident claim with the other driver’s insurance if they caused the crash. 

That insurance carrier may be responsible for covering medical costs through their liability auto insurance coverage. You can also rely on MedPay through your own insurance to cover car crashes if you have it included in your auto insurance.

Many insurance providers include auto exclusions or coverage limits that complicate recovery. If your health coverage falls short or refuses to cover car crash medical needs, a car accident lawyer can step in to pursue other paths to recovery. 

This may include negotiating money paid toward hospital bills, working with your insurance carrier to resolve denied claims, or filing a personal injury lawsuit to recover full damages. With legal help, you can improve your chances of getting your medical bills paid by your insurance.

What Happens If My Health Insurance Drops Me After an Accident?

If your employer-sponsored medical insurance unexpectedly drops you following a crash, the situation can feel overwhelming. 

However, you may still have access to health insurance to cover car accident injuries through federal programs like COBRA or state-based assistance, depending on your income and eligibility. These temporary solutions allow you to continue your own health insurance coverage during recovery.

You may also be able to cover car accident injuries using MedPay or PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage included in your auto policy. If your health insurance carriers refuse to cover medical care and another driver is at fault, their insurance company is responsible for your medical care costs. 

It’s a common concern. Many clients ask, “Will my health insurance cover car accident injuries?”—and the answer often depends on fault, policy language, and what kind of health insurance coverage you had at the time of the accident.

How Auto Accident Attorneys Can Help With Medical Costs

Accident attorneys can make a significant difference when it comes to handling medical treatment costs after a roadway collision. They help file claims against the at-fault driver’s policy, work with insurance to secure the full extent of your coverage, and pursue repayment for hospital bills, follow-up visits, and other qualified medical expenses.

A skilled legal team can also challenge denied claims, lower outstanding balances, and communicate with both your health insurance carriers and the responsible party’s insurer. Acting quickly gives your attorney the best chance to protect your access to care and reduce the financial stress of recovery.

Get a Free Consultation With a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

If you were hurt in an auto accident, dealing with medical insurance and rising healthcare costs can be overwhelming. You don’t have to navigate it all on your own. A skilled Chicago car accident lawyer can help you understand how medical insurance applies to your situation, coordinate with insurers, and pursue a claim that accounts for your full range of losses.

Schedule a free consultation today to explore your legal options. We’ll help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

Call our office at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.