Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Medical Bills?

Motorcycle accidents can be quite severe, especially due to the lack of protective barriers, unlike cars and other four-wheeled vehicles. This particularly means that there’s a substantial risk of getting minor to critical injuries while riding a motorcycle either as a rider or a passenger.

According to NHTSA, motorcycle accidents have led to 82,564 injuries and 6,335 fatalities in 2023. In Michigan alone, there’s an average annual record of over 3000 motorcycle crashes leading to over 2500 injuries and about 173 deaths.

This raises an important question: “Does motorcycle insurance cover medical bills?” Well, the short answer is yes, but only with the right coverage. In this article, you will learn the types of motorcycle insurance that cover medical bills and the medical expenses that are covered by motorcycle insurance.

Does Motorcycle Liability Insurance Pay Your Medical Bills?

Your motorcycle liability insurance does pay medical bills, just not yours or your passengers’. Typically, the standard liability insurance is designed to cover bodily injuries of the other driver, their passengers, any pedestrian, or any third party physically harmed by an accident in which you’re at fault.

In the event of an at-fault motorcycle accident, the other driver or affected person may press legal charges. However, if your liability insurance can cover sufficient medical bills, then it may be easier to mutually settle the issue and avoid legal hassle.

What Type of Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Covers Medical Bills?

Standard motorcycle liability insurance won’t pay your medical bills, which is why additional coverage is crucial. Optional motorcycle insurance policies, such as MedPay, PIP, guest passenger liability coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, can help cover medical expenses after an accident.

Remember, one motorcycle accident can turn into a financial disaster, especially if you need surgeries, long-term treatment, and due to loss of income. Here’s an overview of the medical coverages that you can add to your motorcycle insurance policy in Michigan to cover unexpected medical expenses when you need them the most.

If you’re looking for a reliable insurance agency in Michigan offering affordable motorcycle insurance to cover medical bills and accidental damages, consider exploring PLPD’s wide range of coverage options.

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

The medical payments coverage, commonly known as MedPay coverage, pays the medical bills of you and your passengers after a motorcycle accident, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.

The MedPay coverage includes medical expenses such as:

• Doctor visits
• Hospital visit or stays
• Nursing, and caregiver services
• Surgery, and x-rays
• Dental procedures
• Ambulance and EMT fees
• Funeral expenses

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, goes beyond MedPay by covering not only medical expenses but also lost wages and rehabilitation costs after an accident. PIP coverage is available in Michigan and a few other states. It provides broader protection for both you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault.

Guest Passenger Liability Coverage

Guest Passenger Liability Coverage specifically pays for medical expenses of a passenger injured while riding on your motorcycle if you are at fault in the accident. Unlike MedPay or PIP, this coverage does not apply to the rider but only to the passenger. It’s an important add-on if you frequently carry passengers.

Uninsured/Underinsured (UI/UIM) Motorist Coverage

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UI/UIM) helps cover your medical bills if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to pay for your damages. This coverage also extends to your passengers, offering critical financial protection when the other driver can’t pay.

Medical Expenses Covered by Motorcycle Insurance

The type of medical expenses covered by your motorcycle insurance depends on the policy you choose. Coverages like MedPay, PIP, Guest Passenger Liability, and UI/UIM can help pay for a wide range of costs related to accident injuries. Typical expenses include:

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays and surgeries
• Doctor and specialist visits
• Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or MRIs
• Prescription medications
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Nursing or caregiver services
• Ambulance and EMT fees
• Dental procedures related to the accident
• Prosthetics or medical equipment
• Funeral expenses

While these coverages provide valuable financial protection, keep in mind that limits apply, and not every expense may be covered. For example, elective procedures or injuries from organized racing are typically excluded. Always review your policy details to understand exactly what’s included.

Standard Health Insurance vs MedPay vs PIP: Which is Better to Cover Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

When it comes to paying medical bills after a motorcycle accident, choosing the right type of coverage can be confusing. You've options like the standard health insurance plan, or motorcycle insurance coverage such as MedPay or PIP coverage. The interesting part is that each of these options works differently, and in many cases, they can complement one another.

• Standard Health Insurance is your primary safeguard for medical treatment, but it won’t cover passengers and doesn’t replace lost income. 
• MedPay is a simple, low-cost add-on to your motorcycle insurance that helps with immediate medical expenses for both you and your passengers, regardless of fault. 
• PIP provides the broadest coverage because it not only pays for medical expenses but also lost wages and essential services.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Protect Your Health and Finances from Motorcycle Accidents with PLPD

It’s essential to stay prepared before the unexpected happens. Given the fact that motorcycle accidents are very common in Michigan, often leading to severe injuries and even death, it is crucial to have a motorcycle insurance policy that covers medical bills.

If you’re interested in purchasing motorcycle insurance coverage with medical coverage, or if you need help to choose the right coverage, you can contact us for a free quote and consultation. Our agent will answer your queries and guide you through to ensure you and your passengers get the protection you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who pays the medical bills for a motorcycle accident in Michigan?

If your motorcycle insurance policy includes medical coverage, your medical bills will be paid by your insurance up to your policy’s coverage limit. You can also use your health insurance to help cover any remaining medical expenses. However, if you don’t have any medical coverage, you will be responsible for paying your medical bills out of pocket. 

Does motorcycle insurance pay for medical bills?

Motorcycle insurance will cover medical bills only if you have the right type of coverage. Standard liability insurance does not pay for your medical expenses. To cover medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident, you’ll need Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). 

Does motorcycle insurance cover the full medical bill?

Your motorcycle insurance policy will cover the full medical bill only if it's within the coverage limit. If the medical bills exceed your policy’s medical coverage limit, then you will have to pay the rest from a health insurance policy or out of pocket.