# Medical payments coverage (MedPay)

> MedPay is coverage on your own auto policy that pays medical bills after a crash, up to a limit, whoever caused it. See how it differs from PIP.

Canonical page: https://accidentclaimfacts.com/glossary/medical-payments-coverage/  
Last reviewed: October 29, 2026 by the Accident Claim Facts editorial team  
General information, not legal advice. Talk to a licensed attorney in your state.

## Quick answer

Medical payments coverage, or MedPay, is coverage on your own auto policy that pays medical bills after a crash, up to a set limit, no matter who caused it. Unlike personal injury protection, it usually does not pay lost income.

## In a car accident claim

MedPay pays early, without waiting for the fault dispute to end. Depending on the policy, it can cover deductibles and copays your health plan leaves behind, passengers in your car, and you as a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a car.

Whether you have it depends on your state and your choices:

| State | MedPay rule |
|---|---|
| Texas | Optional |
| Colorado | Included at $5,000 unless rejected in writing |
| Nevada | Must be offered (at least $1,000); optional |
| Wisconsin | Must be offered; can be declined (at least $1,000 if bought) |

When you later recover from the at-fault driver, your insurer may ask to be repaid from that money through subrogation, depending on state law and the policy. Our guide to [who pays your medical bills](https://accidentclaimfacts.com/money/who-pays-medical-bills/) shows how MedPay fits with health insurance, PIP and the other driver's coverage.

## Example

> **Example:** A driver is hurt when another car runs a red light. Before fault is settled, their own MedPay pays the emergency room bill up to the policy limit. Later, when the driver settles with the at-fault driver's insurer, their own insurer asks to be repaid from the settlement, as the policy allows.

## Related terms

- [Personal injury protection](https://accidentclaimfacts.com/glossary/personal-injury-protection/)
- [First-party claim](https://accidentclaimfacts.com/glossary/first-party-claim/)
- [Subrogation](https://accidentclaimfacts.com/glossary/subrogation/)

## FAQ

### What is the difference between MedPay and PIP?

Both pay regardless of fault. PIP usually also pays part of lost income and other costs, and it is required in no-fault states. MedPay generally covers medical bills only.

### Does MedPay cover passengers and pedestrians?

Often. MedPay usually covers people riding in your car, and it may cover you as a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a car. The policy wording decides who is covered and up to what limit.

## Sources

- [Texas Department of Insurance, Auto insurance guide](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb020.html) — MedPay and PIP in Texas
- [Colorado Division of Insurance, Auto Insurance](https://doi.colorado.gov/insurance-products/auto-insurance), checked October 28, 2026
- [Nevada Legislature, NRS 687B.145, uninsured/underinsured and medical expense coverage offers](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-687b.html), checked October 28, 2026
- [Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, Auto Insurance FAQs](https://oci.wi.gov/Pages/Consumers/PI-233.aspx), checked August 3, 2026