Can a Car Insurance Policy Cover an Ambulance Ride?

After a car accident, you or your family may need to ride in the back of an ambulance to be taken to the hospital. However, ambulance travel is very costly. You must make sure that your insurance covers the cost of an ambulance. Most of this falls under optional coverage, so you should review your policy again. Let’s discuss the things you should know to ensure your policy covers the ambulance cost. 

Recognizing The Meaning of "Medically Necessary"

The first thing to understand is that only medically required ambulance rides will be covered by your auto insurance. The term "medically necessary" may be defined slightly differently by each insurance carrier. Medically required injuries demand immediate hospitalization for surgery or other treatment. An ambulance may not be covered if you only have minor bruises and no broken bones or internal damage because it may not be medically necessary for those circumstances.

Insurance That Covers Ambulance Rides

The following insurance policies may cover the medical costs incurred by your ambulance service:

1. At-fault liability: Your ambulance ride should be covered by the at-fault driver's bodily injury liability insurance. Since most states require this coverage, you can assume that most drivers have it.
2. Personal injury protection (PIP): You must have PIP if you live in one of the so-called no-fault states. If you reside in one of these states, it is frequently an essential component of your policy and might cover your ambulance expenses.
3. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM): You could require UM/UIM coverage if you are involved in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver. When the at-fault motorist is also uninsured, this insurance may cover some of your medical expenses, including ambulance transport.
4. MedPay coverage: In many jurisdictions, MedPay coverage is optional, but if you have it, it can be a terrific way to cover the cost of an ambulance ride. If you are involved in an accident while on a bike, walking, or as a passenger in someone else's automobile, it might also pay your ambulance expenses.

The Price of an Ambulance Ride

According to a recent report published in Health Affairs, the average ambulance fee in the United States was $450. The average cost soars to $21,698 if an air ambulance is required. Costs are frequently higher in urban areas than they are in rural ones. Typically, you should budget between $500 and $2,000 for your transportation.

The Bottom Line

So, does auto insurance cover ambulance services? It primarily relies on the specific circumstances and the kind and extent of your insurance plans. Recheck your insurance to be sure you understand all the specifics of your coverage if you require ambulance services. 

To Stay Protected No Matter What, Get in Touch with Kneller Insurance

Contact our insurance specialists at Kneller Insurance Agency immediately if you need extensive coverage tailored to your needs. Whether it’s an ambulance ride or personal, we look forward to covering you on the road at all times.