Can health insurance cause a denied auto insurance claim? (Claims + Laws)

Health insurance usually won't cause a denied auto insurance claim. Instead, health and auto insurance can work together to cover car accident injuries, but you must carry personal injury protection, ranging from $5-$50 monthly. We'll explain more about the reasons an insurance claim can be denied here.

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Tonya Sisler

Insurance Content Team Lead

Tonya Sisler has been a technical insurance writer for over five years. She uses her extensive insurance and finance knowledge to write informative articles that answer readers' top questions. Her mission is to provide readers with timely, accurate information that allows them to determine their insurance needs and choose the best coverage. Tonya currently leads a team of 10 insurance copywrite...

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Scott W. Johnson

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Scott W Johnson is an independent insurance agent in California. Principal Broker and founder of Marindependent Insurance Services, Scott brings over 25 years of experience to his clients. His Five President’s Council awards prove he uses all he learned at Avocet, Sprint Nextel, and Farmers Insurance to the benefit of his clients. Scott quickly grasped the unique insurance requirements of his...

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Scott W. Johnson

Updated January 2025

Car accidents can be scary. On top of dealing with the injury itself, you’ll also have to think about filing an auto insurance claim

Can health insurance cause a denied auto insurance claim

The last thing you want to worry about is the medical expenses associated with the accident and whether your insurance will cover your treatment. The good news is that car insurance and health insurance don’t cancel each other out after a car crash, but instead work together. However, you must have the right type of auto insurance: personal injury protection.

If you’re searching for affordable car insurance near you, feel free to enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool above to get started today.

Here's what you need to know

  • Health insurance companies can’t deny claims related to auto accidents
  • Auto insurance companies can deny claims if you’re at fault
  • Health insurance steps in when auto insurance stops paying for claims

Understanding Whether Health Insurance Can Lead to a Denied Auto Insurance Claim

You probably understand that health insurance isn’t intended to cover auto accidents because that’s what the medical portion of your auto insurance is for. But if your next question was, “Will health insurance cover a car crash injury?”, the answer is: sometimes, yes. 

The amount varies by state, but in most places, you must have a certain amount of coverage when you purchase car insurance. 

How much is full coverage auto insurance? The cost of auto insurance varies by state. Here’s a summary of the average annual rate by each state.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by State

StatesMonthly Rates
Alabama$297
Alaska$285
Arizona314
Arkansas$344
California307
Colorado323
Connecticut$385
Delaware$499
District of Columbia$370
Florida$390
Georgia$414
Hawaii$213
Idaho$248
Illinois$275
Indiana$285
Iowa$248
Kansas$273
Kentucky$433
Louisiana$476
Maine$246
Maryland$382
Massachusetts$223
Median305
Michigan$875
Minnesota$367
Mississippi305
Missouri$277
Montana$268
Nebraska$274
Nevada$405
New Hampshire$263
New Jersey$460
New Mexico289
New York$358
North Carolina$283
North Dakota$347
Ohio$226
Oklahoma$345
Oregon289
Pennsylvania336
Rhode Island$417
South Carolina315
South Dakota332
Tennessee305
Texas$337
Utah$301
Vermont$270
Virginia$197
Washington$255
West Virginia$216
Wisconsin$301
Wyoming$267

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Factors that affect auto insurance rates include age, gender, marital status, credit history, commute mileage, driving record, coverage level, and area. Each city, county, and town has a unique annual rate. Urban areas tend to have more expensive rates due to the increased risk of an accident, but rural areas generally have cheaper rates.

Health insurance will step in after the limits of your auto policy have been exceeded, meaning your car insurance liability coverage or the at-fault driver's coverage steps in first. Then, once those limits get reached, your health insurance pays the remaining costs.

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It’s very unlikely that you’ll be denied a claim by your health insurance company after a crash. In the rare event, it’s usually because your car insurance provider is the primary insurer and your health insurer is directing you back to them as a first resort. Usually, health insurance won’t deny claims for any other reason, and car accident injuries are still covered by health insurance.

Additionally, understanding health insurance claim rejections with auto accidents is crucial for managing your expenses effectively. When dealing with an auto accident, it’s important to be aware that health insurance won’t cover car accident injuries in some cases. This could leave you facing significant out-of-pocket costs.

To avoid such situations, ensure you know whether your health insurance covers car accidents. Specifically, check if you have health insurance that covers an auto accident, as this can significantly impact how your medical expenses are handled.

On the other note, understanding whether health insurance can lead to a denied auto insurance claim is crucial for effective coverage management. Aetna covers auto accident injuries, ensuring that your medical expenses from a car crash are taken care of.

When selecting health insurance that covers car accident injuries, it’s important to note that some policies may include clauses affecting claims processing, potentially leading to denials if not coordinated properly with your auto insurance.

Having health insurance that covers car accident injuries can provide significant financial protection, but it’s essential to understand your policy specifics and how they interact with your auto insurance to prevent unexpected denials.

If you encounter health insurance claim rejections with auto accidents, it underscores the importance of verifying and understanding your coverage details, particularly if you are relying on health insurance that covers an auto accident to handle your injuries.

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How Much Health Insurance Must Pay for a Car Accident

Health insurance must pay for any medical expenses if you’re injured. However, in the case of a car accident, they’ll usually defer to your car insurance policy first. Your car insurance is usually your primary insurer for injuries caused by accidents, which is why auto insurance is required by law in most states.

The data presented below is a summary from the Insurance Information Institute that lists the minimum auto insurance requirements by state:

Liability Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements by State

StateBodily Injury Liability
(Per Person)
Bodily Injury Liability
(Per Accident)
Property Damage Liability
Alabama$25,000$50,000$25,000
Alaska$50,000$100,000$25,000
Arizona$25,000$50,000$15,000
Arkansas$25,000$50,000$25,000
California$15,000$30,000$5,000
Colorado$25,000$50,000$15,000
Connecticut$25,000$50,000$25,000
Delaware$25,000$50,000$10,000
Florida$10,000 (PIP only)N/A$10,000
Georgia$25,000$50,000$25,000
Hawaii$20,000$40,000$10,000
Idaho$25,000$50,000$15,000
Illinois$25,000$50,000$20,000
Indiana$25,000$50,000$25,000
Iowa$20,000$40,000$15,000
Kansas$25,000$50,000$25,000
Kentucky$25,000$50,000$25,000
Louisiana$15,000$30,000$25,000
Maine$50,000$100,000$25,000
Maryland$30,000$60,000$15,000
Massachusetts$20,000$40,000$5,000
Michigan$50,000$100,000$10,000
Minnesota$30,000$60,000$10,000
Mississippi$25,000$50,000$25,000
Missouri$25,000$50,000$25,000
Montana$25,000$50,000$20,000
Nebraska$25,000$50,000$25,000
Nevada$25,000$50,000$20,000
New Hampshire*$25,000$50,000$25,000
New Jersey$15,000$30,000$5,000
New Mexico$25,000$50,000$10,000
New York$25,000$50,000$10,000
North Carolina$30,000$60,000$25,000
North Dakota$25,000$50,000$25,000
Ohio$25,000$50,000$25,000
Oklahoma$25,000$50,000$25,000
Oregon$25,000$50,000$20,000
Pennsylvania$15,000$30,000$5,000
Rhode Island$25,000$50,000$25,000
South Carolina$25,000$50,000$25,000
South Dakota$25,000$50,000$25,000
Tennessee$25,000$50,000$15,000
Texas$30,000$60,000$25,000
Utah$25,000$65,000$15,000
Vermont$25,000$50,000$10,000
Virginia$30,000$60,000$20,000
Washington$25,000$50,000$10,000
West Virginia$25,000$50,000$25,000
Wisconsin$25,000$50,000$10,000
Wyoming$25,000$50,000$20,000

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These limits are the minimum, but auto insurance providers may suggest that auto insurance policyholders get a higher coverage level in case the coverage limit is not enough to cover the total cost of damage and injuries.

Moreover, when considering how much health insurance must pay for a car accident, it’s important to know which types of coverage are available. Health insurance that covers car accident injuries can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

However, not all policies include this coverage, so it’s crucial to verify if your plan is one of the health insurance that covers car accident injuries in Michigan. This ensures that you are protected if you live in Michigan and have been involved in an accident.

Furthermore, some insurance policies offer more extensive coverage. For instance, health insurance that covers accidents from an MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident) provides broad protection for various auto-related injuries. Similarly, medical insurance that covers car accidents can include various treatments and follow-up care.

Understanding these types of coverage helps ensure that your insurance adequately addresses the costs associated with car accidents and minimizes unexpected financial burdens.

How Personal Injury Protection Auto Insurance Coverage Works

Personal injury protection (PIP) auto insurance is a coverage required in 12 states with no-fault auto insurance laws. So, this means your own insurance, not the other party’s, pays for your medical expenses.

In these states, your PIP is your primary insurer, and they’ll pay out your claims before health insurance kicks in. As with regular insurance, it pays until your limit is reached, and then health insurance kicks in.

Subsequently, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) auto insurance coverage plays a vital role in managing medical expenses after an accident. For example, if you’re considering health insurance that covers car accidents in California or health insurance that covers car accidents in Florida, it’s important to understand how these policies integrate with PIP coverage.

 

If you encounter issues with your claims, knowing how to resolve a denied claim is crucial. Some policies are more prone to denial, as health insurance companies deny the most claims due to various reasons, including complex terms or errors in the submission process.

Furthermore, understanding how insurance work when it’s not your fault can impact the outcome of your claim and ensure you are adequately covered for your medical expenses.

For those with existing health insurance, it’s important to determine whether personal injury protection is necessary if you have health insurance in Texas. Ensuring you have comprehensive protection helps manage medical costs and avoid unexpected financial burdens from auto accidents.

Navigating Health Insurance and Car Accident Claims

Understanding how health insurance and car accidents interact can be crucial when managing claims and avoiding potential denials. Each state has specific regulations regarding the type of auto insurance required, which dictates the minimum coverage needed for drivers.

For instance, states like Oklahoma have specific auto insurance claim laws that govern how claims are processed and what coverage is mandatory. These laws can influence how your insurance handles expenses related to car accidents and how they work in conjunction with health insurance.

When navigating claims, knowing the most common health insurance claims can provide insight into what issues might arise when combining health insurance with auto insurance.

However, it’s important to verify your specific policy details to ensure that your health insurance will not inadvertently lead to a claim denial. Additionally, if you are injured in a car accident with no health insurance, it can complicate the situation further, potentially leading to more significant financial challenges.

The Meritain-single-case-agreement might come into play for individuals seeking specific coverage arrangements or exceptions. This agreement can be a tool in negotiating or resolving claims when typical coverage does not fully address the costs.

Ensuring clarity in both health and auto insurance policies can help avoid scenarios where health insurance and car accidents lead to claim denials or unexpected issues. Understanding how these elements interact is essential for effective claim management and coverage.

Navigating health insurance coverage for car accident injuries and claims is crucial, especially in states like Michigan, California, Florida, and Texas, where health insurance that cover car accidents must align with auto insurance policies to prevent claim denials.

For those injured in car accidents with no health insurance, understanding these complexities is vital to avoid financial strain. Most states require specific types of auto insurance to ensure adequate coverage, underscoring the importance of comprehensive insurance planning and compliance.

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Understanding Health Insurance Coverage for Car Accident Injuries and Claims

Navigating health insurance coverage for car accident injuries and claims can be complex, especially with varying state regulations. In Michigan, health insurance that covers car accident injuries often complements the state’s no-fault insurance system, ensuring that medical expenses are handled efficiently.

Similarly,  in California, health insurance that covers car accidents plays a crucial role in managing medical costs arising from such incidents, providing a safety net for those injured on the road. Understanding these provisions is essential for accident victims seeking prompt and comprehensive medical care.

In Florida, health insurance that covers car accidents is particularly important due to the state’s high rate of traffic incidents. Having such coverage ensures that individuals can receive necessary medical treatment without the added stress of financial burden.

Moreover, Medicare covers auto accident injuries in Texas, which is vital for elderly residents who might be involved in accidents. This coverage allows them to access necessary healthcare services, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation, without exhausting their savings.

When the person responsible for an accident lacks insurance in Texas, it can pose a significant challenge. In these situations, accident victims may need to depend on their health insurance to cover medical expenses. This underscores the critical importance of filing accident and health insurance claims promptly to secure compensation for medical bills and related costs.

These claims ensure that individuals receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. Navigating the claims process can be daunting, but understanding your health insurance policy and its coverage for car accidents can alleviate some of the stress.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has provisions for accident claims, known as ACA accident claims, which ensure that essential health benefits cover injuries resulting from car accidents. This inclusion is crucial for individuals who might otherwise face substantial out-of-pocket expenses.

Health insurance that covers car accident injuries in Michigan, California, and Florida, along with Medicare coverage in Texas, provides a comprehensive safety net for accident victims. By understanding these coverages and the process for accident and health insurance claims, individuals can better navigate the aftermath of car accidents and focus on recovery.

Health Insurance and PIP: How They Work Together to Pay for Medical Bills After a Crash

You don’t need to worry about not receiving treatment if you’re injured in a crash. In most cases, your auto insurance will kick in first to help cover the medical costs associated with a car accident. If those costs go beyond your policy limits, then your health insurance will usually step in to cover any remaining costs. 

Furthermore. when dealing with health insurance and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) after a car crash, it’s important to consider how these coverages work together to pay for medical bills. Knowing which car insurance company has the most complaints can guide you in choosing a reliable insurer, as companies with higher complaint rates might handle claims less effectively. This can impact how your medical expenses are managed.

Additionally, being aware of the most expensive drivers to insure is crucial, as high-risk drivers often face higher premiums and might have different coverage needs.

PIP coverage can complement your health insurance, but understanding the biggest risk in insurance is essential for effective management of your coverage. Problems such as inadequate coverage or denied claims highlight the importance of knowing the specifics of your policy.

For instance, if you are in areas like North Carolina or Nevada, understanding NC auto physical damage and NV accident and health insurance claim can be particularly relevant. Local regulations and claim processes may influence how your medical bills are covered after an accident.

Combining PIP with health insurance ensures that all medical expenses are covered after a car accident, providing crucial financial protection and peace of mind.

Furthermore, when it comes to health insurance and Personal Injury Protection (PIP), understanding how they work together to cover medical bills after a car accident is crucial. Many health insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield covers car accidents, specifically for injuries sustained during such incidents.

For instance, if you’re involved in a crash, Blue Cross covers car accident injuries, ensuring that your medical expenses are taken care of regardless of who is at fault. Similarly, United Healthcare covers auto accidents, providing comprehensive support for injury-related costs.

However, it’s important to note that insurance can deny claims for DUI-related accidents, leaving individuals without coverage in such cases. Combining the benefits of PIP and health insurance can offer robust financial protection. PIP typically covers immediate medical expenses and sometimes even lost wages, while health insurance continues to provide long-term medical care.

This coordination ensures that medical bills are covered regardless of the circumstances surrounding the accident, offering peace of mind and financial security.

Working with a knowledgeable professional, such as an Alaska accident & health producer, can provide valuable assistance. They can help you navigate the complexities of combining health insurance with PIP coverage to ensure comprehensive protection. This guidance can be crucial in managing your medical expenses and avoiding unexpected financial burdens from a car accident.

Searching for cheap auto insurance and not sure where to start? Just enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below to begin shopping today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can health insurance deny a claim caused by an auto accident?

Yes, health insurance providers can deny a claim caused by an auto accident, depending on the circumstances and the terms of your policy.

Do car insurance companies pay medical bills directly?

No, as a general rule car insurance companies don’t pay medical bills out directly.

Auto insurance providers don’t typically pay medical bills to doctors, hospitals, or private medical practices, despite who’s responsible for the accident. The auto insurance company will usually pay you – the policyholder – once a settlement is reached between you and the auto insurance provider. 

Your health insurance company may also seek to recover costs from your car insurance provider, or from the other driver if you were not at fault. 

Health insurance may deny a claim for an auto accident if it falls under certain exclusions or limitations specified in your policy. For example, if your policy explicitly excludes coverage for injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents, your claim could be denied.

Why are legitimate auto accident injury claims typically denied?

Sometimes, an auto insurance company will deny a claim based on certain factors. For example, it might decline to pay a medical bill. You’re probably wondering why an auto insurance company would deny a legitimate claim.

Typically, legitimate claims can be denied when you’re at fault in the accident (but typically only with liability coverage). So, if you were the one who caused the accident, your insurance company may deny your claim. However, if you’re found to be not at fault, your claim should likely be approved.

Discuss this with your auto insurance provider as soon as possible so that you can be sure your claim will be approved in the event of an accident based on your coverage.

What are some common exclusions in health insurance policies for auto accidents?

Common exclusions related to auto accidents in health insurance policies may include no-fault auto insurance coverage, coverage for injuries sustained while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or injuries sustained during the commission of a crime.

To determine if your health insurance policy covers auto accident-related claims, review the terms and conditions of your policy or contact your insurance provider directly. They can provide you with specific information about your coverage.

Are there any alternative options for covering medical expenses from an auto accident if health insurance denies the claim?

Yes, there may be alternative options available to cover medical expenses from an auto accident if health insurance denies the claim. These options may include filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, or utilizing any other applicable insurance coverage you may have, such as auto medical payments (MedPay) coverage.

If your health insurance denies a claim related to an auto accident, you should consider taking the following steps:

  1. Review your policy: Carefully review the terms and conditions of your policy to understand why the claim was denied.
  2. Contact your insurance provider: Reach out to your health insurance provider to seek clarification and ask for a detailed explanation of the denial.
  3. File an appeal: If you believe the denial is incorrect, you can file an appeal with your insurance company. Follow their appeal process and provide any necessary documentation or evidence to support your case.
  4. Seek legal advice: If your claim is still denied after the appeal or if you encounter difficulties in the process, it may be beneficial to consult with an attorney who specializes in insurance or personal injury law.

Does Aetna cover car accidents?

Aetna health insurance may cover medical expenses resulting from car accidents, depending on your specific plan and coverage details. Contact Aetna directly or review your policy for more information.

Does Aetna health insurance cover auto accident injuries?

Yes, Aetna health insurance plans often provide coverage for injuries sustained in auto accidents, but coverage specifics can vary based on your plan’s terms and conditions.

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