What does accidental medical protection plan coverage do?
An accidental medical protection plan (AMPP) is an inexpensive but limited-benefit plan that covers you while you’re driving or riding in any private passenger vehicle. Coverage is regardless of fault. Your family can be covered, too, if you choose an AMPP family plan.
Accident medical insurance provides reimbursement for specific accident-related injuries and medical equipment required for injuries or situations (such as the need for gas, limited towing, etc.) without a deductible.
Under the medical expenses, accident medical insurance pays for injuries (e.g. broken hand), medical equipment (e.g. air cast) and related medical expenses (e.g. X-ray). For situations, AMPP may include coverage for fuel delivery, flat tire changing or limited towing services.
AMPP coverages and terms vary greatly according to state laws and policy, however, normally, the payment for a claim is a flat amount according to the carrier’s schedule of covered events. What is covered will be defined by your specific policy. The coverage limits are written to refer to the maximum amount paid per incident and per term, respectively.
AMPP may also be referred to as accidental death and dismemberment (ADD) if it includes compensation if you die or become dismembered due to an auto accident. When offered, ADD pays up to the limits of your policy regardless of fault.
Is accidental medical protection plan coverage mandatory?
No. Accidental medical insurance is not required coverage and is not offered by all car insurance companies.
What happens if I don’t have accidental medical protection plan coverage?
If you choose not to carry the accidental medical protection plan as part of your car insurance policy, then to have your medical expenses paid for when you are at fault in an accident or when the at-fault party cannot cover your injuries, you will need to have coverage such as medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP), or you may end up paying out-of-pocket for your medical bills.
Having AMPP along with PIP may be helpful because it can offset some of the costs if PIP doesn’t pay out 100% for certain benefits. However, most AMPP policies have low limits of reimbursement.
Accidental medical insurance may be unnecessary if you have adequate health insurance.
— Michelle Megna contributed to this story.
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