That deductible is wild—I hear that a lot these days. Med pay can really soften the blow if you ever need quick care after a crash. Have you checked what adding it would actually cost? Sometimes it’s less than people expect.
I used to think med pay was just another way for the insurance company to squeeze a few more bucks out of me, but after my buddy’s fender bender last year, I’m rethinking it. His ER bill was like, “surprise!” and his deductible barely covered the band-aids. Anyone ever actually had med pay save their bacon, or is it mostly peace of mind?
I used to skip med pay too, but after getting rear-ended last winter, I was glad I had it. My health insurance deductible is high, and med pay covered the urgent care visit and some PT, no hassle. If your budget’s tight, it can be worth it—especially if you drive a lot or have a basic health plan. For me, it’s more than just peace of mind.
If your budget’s tight, it can be worth it—especially if you drive a lot or have a basic health plan.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually dropped med pay for a few years now. Here’s why:
- My health insurance covers most stuff after the deductible, and I rarely hit that anyway.
- Med pay premiums add up, especially if you’ve got a clean driving record and don’t get into accidents often.
- If you’ve got good PIP (personal injury protection), med pay can feel redundant.
I drive a ton for work, but for me, the extra cost just didn’t make sense. Guess it really depends on your risk tolerance and how much overlap you’ve got in your coverage.
WHEN DOES PAYING EXTRA FOR MEDICAL COVERAGE ON AUTO POLICIES MAKE SENSE?
I’m with you on the overlap. My health insurance is decent, and honestly, the only time I ever came close to needing med pay was when I slipped on a rogue grape at the grocery store—definitely not car-related. It feels like one of those “just in case” things that insurance companies love to sell you, but if you’re already covered by PIP and health insurance, it’s like paying extra for guac when you’re already full.
That said, I’ve got a friend who swears by med pay because her deductible is sky-high and she’s got kids who treat the backseat like a jungle gym. For her, the peace of mind is worth it. For me? I’d rather use that cash for coffee or, let’s be honest, more car air fresheners. Guess it really comes down to how much risk you’re willing to take on and how much your wallet can handle those “what ifs.”