Motorcycle Accident Medical Claims: PIP vs. MedPay Explained

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, the last thing you want to worry about is how to pay for your medical bills. Even a minor crash can lead to thousands in hospital costs, physical therapy, or prescription meds. That’s where PIP and MedPay come in-two types of medical coverage built into motorcycle insurance policies. But they’re not the same. And picking the wrong one could leave you paying out of pocket when you least expect it.

What Is PIP Insurance?

PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection. It’s a no-fault coverage, meaning it pays for your medical bills no matter who caused the accident. In states that require it-like Florida, New York, and Michigan-PIP is mandatory for all motor vehicles, including motorcycles. But in many places, it’s optional. Even if it’s not required, it’s often the most comprehensive medical coverage you can get on a bike.

PIP doesn’t just cover your own medical costs. It also pays for:

• Emergency room visits
• Surgery and hospital stays
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost wages if you can’t work
• Home care or childcare if you’re incapacitated

Most PIP policies offer coverage limits between $5,000 and $10,000 per person. Some states allow you to buy up to $25,000. The key advantage? It kicks in immediately after the crash. You don’t wait for fault to be determined. You don’t need to file a lawsuit. You just call your insurer and get help.

What Is MedPay Insurance?

MedPay, short for Medical Payments Coverage, is simpler. It’s designed to cover only medical expenses for you and your passengers after a crash. It doesn’t touch lost wages, home care, or other non-medical costs. Think of it as a medical emergency fund built into your policy.

MedPay typically covers:

• Hospital bills
• Doctor visits
• X-rays and MRIs
• Chiropractic care
• Emergency dental work from the accident

It’s usually available in limits of $1,000 to $10,000. Most riders choose $5,000-it’s affordable and covers most minor to moderate injuries. Unlike PIP, MedPay doesn’t pay for lost income or funeral costs. It’s strictly for medical bills.

Key Differences Between PIP and MedPay

Here’s the real difference: PIP is broader. MedPay is narrower. Both pay medical bills quickly. But only PIP helps with life after the injury.

For example, if you break your collarbone in a crash and need surgery, both PIP and MedPay will cover the $8,000 bill. But if you’re a delivery rider and miss three weeks of work, PIP will replace your lost income. MedPay won’t. That’s a $2,000-$3,000 gap you’ll have to cover yourself.

Which One Should You Choose?

It depends on your situation.

If you live in a no-fault state like Florida or New Jersey, you’re already required to carry PIP. You don’t get to pick. But if you’re in a tort state-like Texas, Arizona, or most of the UK-you have a choice.

Here’s when to pick PIP:

• You’re self-employed or work gig jobs without sick pay
• You have dependents who rely on your income
• You ride often in heavy traffic or high-speed zones
• You want full protection without relying on health insurance

Here’s when MedPay makes sense:

• You already have strong health insurance with low copays
• You ride only occasionally or for leisure
• You’re on a tight budget and need the cheapest option
• You’re not worried about lost wages

Many riders think, “I have health insurance, so I don’t need either.” That’s a mistake. Health insurance often has high deductibles and won’t cover lost wages. PIP or MedPay fills that gap fast. And unlike health insurance, you don’t need to submit claims to a network. You just get paid directly.

What Happens If You Don’t Have Either?

Without PIP or MedPay, your medical bills go to your personal health insurance-if you have it. If you don’t, you’re on the hook for everything. Hospitals will send you bills. Collections agencies will call. And if you’re injured badly enough to miss work, you’re stuck without income.

Some riders assume liability insurance will cover their medical costs. It won’t. Liability only pays for damage you cause to others. Not your own injuries.

And if the other driver was at fault? You can sue them. But lawsuits take months, sometimes years. You can’t wait that long to pay for a knee surgery or a round of physical therapy.

Cost Comparison: PIP vs. MedPay

MedPay is cheaper. In most states, adding $5,000 in MedPay to your policy costs $15-$30 a year. PIP? It’s more. In states where it’s optional, expect $50-$120 extra per year for $10,000 in coverage.

But here’s the catch: PIP’s higher cost often pays for itself. A single ER visit can cost $1,200. A broken leg? $15,000. If you’re missing work, you’re losing $500-$1,000 a week. PIP covers all of it. MedPay only covers the medical part.

For riders who commute daily, ride in winter conditions, or carry passengers, PIP is worth the extra cost. For weekend riders with good health insurance, MedPay is enough.

What About UK Riders?

In the UK, motorcycle insurance doesn’t include PIP or MedPay. Instead, you’re covered under the NHS for medical treatment. But that doesn’t mean you’re protected.

NHS covers hospital care, but not:

• Private physiotherapy or specialist appointments
• Home modifications after injury
• Lost income if you’re self-employed
• Travel costs to appointments

Many UK riders buy optional accident insurance as a rider to their policy. It’s similar to MedPay-covers medical bills up to £5,000-£10,000. Some policies also include income replacement. If you ride regularly, it’s a smart add-on.

How to Add PIP or MedPay to Your Policy

If you’re shopping for insurance, ask your agent:

1. “Is PIP available in my state?”
2. “What are the limits and deductibles for MedPay?”
3. “Can I stack coverage with my health insurance?”
4. “Will this coverage apply if I’m riding someone else’s bike?”

Most insurers let you add either coverage in minutes. You don’t need a medical exam. No paperwork. Just a phone call or online update.

Don’t wait until after an accident. Once you’re hurt, it’s too late to buy coverage. Policies only cover future claims, not past injuries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming your health insurance covers everything-many don’t cover motorcycle injuries fully
• Choosing MedPay because it’s cheaper without realizing you’ll pay more later
• Thinking liability insurance protects you-liability only protects others
• Not checking if your policy covers passengers-some MedPay plans don’t
• Waiting to add coverage after a crash-coverage can’t be added retroactively

One rider I know in Bristol broke his wrist riding in the rain. He had MedPay with a $5,000 limit. The surgery cost $4,200. He paid $800 out of pocket. But he missed six weeks of work as a mechanic. His health insurance didn’t cover lost wages. He lost over £4,000 in income. If he’d had PIP, he’d have gotten that back.

Next Steps

Check your current motorcycle policy. Look for PIP or MedPay under “Medical Payments” or “Personal Injury Protection.” If you don’t see either, call your agent. Ask what’s available. Ask how much it costs. Ask if it covers passengers.

Don’t wait for an accident to realize you’re underinsured. A few extra pounds a month could mean the difference between a quick recovery and financial ruin.