What is voluntary medical payments coverage?
Voluntary medical payments are a type of protection within your homeowner's policy. Known as Coverage F, it applies when you accidentally injure someone or a guest gets injured on your property. It covers the person's medical expenses, even if you are not liable. The coverage is meant for minor injuries and helps to avoid a larger claim and liability lawsuits.
How do voluntary medical payments work?
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Most types of homeowners policies include voluntary medical payments. It is typically standard in comprehensive home insurance. You don’t need to add it as an insurance endorsement. But if you are unsure, talk with your insurer to be clear about what's included and how the coverage works.
Voluntary medical payments coverage can be used when minor injuries occur to a third party:
- A person gets hurt on your property
- You accident injure someone (on or off your property)
You do not have to be liable, and the policyholder may have nothing to do with the injury. Voluntary payments coverage can be used to pay medical expenses. You have to apply for coverage within one year of the accident. Policy limits, terms, and conditions apply.
An example of how voluntary medical payments insurance works
Here are two examples of how voluntary medical payments coverage can be used:
Example 1: A friend was injured in your home
You have a couple of friends over for a dinner party. One of your friends trips over an area rug, falls and knocks out a couple of teeth. They book an emergency dental appointment and can save the teeth. Your voluntary medical coverage can help pay for your friend's dental bills.
Example 2: You accidentally injure someone playing pickup basketball
You are playing pickup basketball at a local park. During the game, you accidentally collide with another player. They fall and break their leg. You call an ambulance, and they go to the hospital for treatment. In this situation, you can use voluntary medical payments to help cover the costs of the ambulance, the hospital stay, and medical supplies.
