What Is Medical Payments Coverage?
In the event a guest is injured in your home, medical payments coverage financially protects you by helping pay for their medical bills. Unlike liability coverage, the insurance will pay no matter who is at-fault or what caused the injury. With coverage limits ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, medical payments coverage is intended for less severe injuries. Keep in mind that the coverage will not pay for injuries suffered by you or any members of your household, including tenants.
What Does It Cover?
Medical payments coverage helps pay for your visitor’s medical bills if they are injured in your home. It can cover:
- ER visits
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Ambulance rides
- X-rays
- Dental costs
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Medical Payments vs Liability
Many homeowners confuse medical payments coverage and liability home insurance. While both provide coverage for injuries sustained by guests at your home, there are key differences to keep in mind:
- Liability home insurance: Provides both medical and legal coverage if a visitor is injured at your home. Also, in the event you or a family member accidentally damage someone else’s property, liability coverage helps pay to repair or replace it. Liability coverage has much higher limits, with policies often ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. Liability coverage is only applicable when you, the homeowner, are at fault.
- Medical payments coverage: Has lower coverage limits (typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000), as it is intended to cover smaller injuries. It does not cover legal fees and does not require fault to be assigned in an accident.
Though both cover medical fees, medical payments can be a good first line of coverage in the event someone is hurt in your home, since determining fault is not necessary. That said, homeowners seeking financial protection from a broader range of scenarios can benefit from having both medical payments and liability coverage on their policies.
What To Do If a Guest Is Hurt in My Home?
If an accident occurs at your home, make sure the injured person promptly receives any necessary medical care.
When it is safe, be sure to document the situation. Take photos and write down how the accident occurred. Documenting the accident will help clear up any confusion or disputes in the event your guest files a claim or lawsuit against you.
Remember not to panic. Your medical payments coverage will help pay your guest’s medical bills. Often, when the injured are compensated by insurance, there is no motivation to take you to court.
Now that you have learned about medical payments coverage, shop quotes from top home insurance companies with Compare-Home-Insurance.com!