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Who pays my medical bills?
The other driver's insurer almost never pays bills as they arrive. Answer four questions to see who usually pays first in your state, and who may want to be repaid later.
Answer the questions above to see who usually pays, in order, and who may ask to be paid back.
By Serdar Arslan, editor · Last reviewed · How we research
Why the order matters
Bills start arriving within weeks of a crash, long before any settlement. If a provider is told to "bill the other driver", the bill usually sits unpaid and can end up in collections. Sending each bill to the right payer, in the right order, keeps your credit clean and often lowers what you owe, because health plans pay negotiated rates.
The usual order
| Payer | Pays when | Wants money back from a settlement? |
|---|---|---|
| PIP (your auto policy) | First, regardless of fault, in states that require it or if you bought it | Usually not from you |
| MedPay (your auto policy) | Early, regardless of fault, up to a small limit | Depends on the policy and state |
| Health insurance | As bills come in, under plan rules | Often, through a reimbursement clause |
| Medicare | Conditionally, so you can get care on time | Yes, conditional payments must be repaid |
| Medicaid | As bills come in | Generally yes, under state rules |
| At-fault driver's insurer | Once, at settlement | Not applicable |
The state part of the answer comes from the insurance rules on each of our state law pages, where the statute behind each PIP requirement is linked. For how repayment claims work and how they are often reduced, read medical bills and liens after an accident and no-fault vs. at-fault insurance.
Three things to do this week
- Give every provider your auto claim number and your health insurance card, and ask which one they billed.
- Keep each bill and each explanation of benefits. Log them in the expense tracker or your claim file.
- If a bill goes unpaid, call the provider before it reaches collections and ask for a hold while the claim is open.
Frequently asked questions
›Will the at-fault driver's insurance pay my medical bills as I go?
Usually not. A liability insurer generally pays once, in a single settlement, after you have finished treatment or your condition is stable. Until then your own coverage pays, such as PIP, MedPay, health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.
›What is the difference between PIP and MedPay?
Both are parts of your own auto policy that pay medical bills regardless of fault. PIP is required in no-fault states and some others, and often covers lost income as well. MedPay is an optional add-on in many states, usually with a lower limit, and covers medical costs only.
›Can I use my health insurance for car accident injuries?
Generally yes. Health plans cover injury care whatever the cause, subject to deductibles and network rules. In states that require PIP, PIP usually pays first and health insurance pays after PIP is used up. Your plan may later ask to be reimbursed from a settlement.
›Do I have to pay Medicare back?
If Medicare paid for crash-related care and you later receive a settlement, judgment or award, those conditional payments must be repaid. Report the claim to Medicare early and ask for the final amount before you agree to a settlement figure.
›What if I have no insurance that pays now?
Ask each provider about a payment plan, a self-pay discount or financial assistance. Some providers will treat you and wait for the settlement under a lien or letter of protection, but you still owe the bill if the claim does not pay.