medical coverages for drivers
Generally speaking, car insurance coverages break down into 3 distinct categories: liability, vehicle-based, and medical. Here we provide a quick overview of your medical coverage options — the coverages designed to pay for the medical care of you and your passengers after an accident.
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
Personal injury protection can help cover medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault. Offered (or required) in no-fault states, PIP is a complex coverage that varies widely by state. In general, it covers hospitalization, rehabilitation, other medical expenses, and (sometimes) lost wages up to the limits you select.
No-fault states restrict what drivers can and can't legally recoup from other drivers after an accident. In these states, you (and your insurer) are responsible for your own medical expenses up to a state-specific threshold.
If you have health insurance in a no-fault state, your PIP coverage can still provide extra protection. In some cases, your health plan may not cover all of the medical care required after the accident. Check the specifics of your existing health plan before you set your PIP coverage limit.
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Medical payments coverage
Medical payments coverage, also known as medical and funeral services payments, can help cover accident-related medical expenses (including funeral expenses) for you, other drivers on your policy, and passengers. It can also offer coverage if you're struck by a car as a pedestrian or cyclist, or if you fall out of a parked car.
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First party benefits (FPB) in Pennsylvania
First party benefits (FPB) is an optional medical coverage that's available only in Pennsylvania. Like PIP, FPB can cover injured policyholders and their passengers after an accident regardless of fault. And like medical payments coverage, it can help cover you if you're hit by a car while walking or riding a bike.
Pennsylvania drivers are legally required to add either FPB or medical payments coverage to their policies. If you're (understandably) confused about which car insurance coverage to choose, give us a call at 1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262). A licensed agent can walk you through your options.
More on first party benefits coverage >
Finding the medical coverage that's best for your policy
A good car insurance policy can help you and your family members recover from an accident as much as it can help your car. To learn more about your choices when it comes to the medical aspect of your car insurance policy, call 1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262) anytime, day or night.
Related links
Coverage Counselor®
Spend a few minutes with our online counselor to get personalized coverage recommendations.
Vehicle-based insurance coverages
Now that you know which coverages can take care of you, find out which ones can help pay for your car's repairs.
Liability insurance coverages
See who and what liability insurance is designed to protect.