Should You Get MedPay in Colorado? Here’s What to Know

Over the last 25+ years representing injured people across Colorado, I’ve seen how insurance coverage—or the lack of it—can shape a person’s recovery after a car crash. One of the most overlooked tools in your auto insurance policy is Medical Payments Coverage, or MedPay.

While it’s not mandatory, MedPay can be a valuable part of your insurance strategy. In this article, I’ll explain how MedPay works in Colorado, what it does (and doesn’t) cover, and why I generally recommend it as a smart layer of protection—especially if it fits within your budget.

What is MedPay?

MedPay is optional auto insurance coverage that helps pay for medical expenses after a car crash, no matter who was at fault.

Colorado law requires insurance companies to offer you at least $5,000 in MedPay when you buy a policy. You can choose to increase that amount—or opt out by declining it in writing.

MedPay typically covers:

• Ambulance transportation
• Emergency room care
• Hospital stays
• Imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs)
• Surgery and follow-up treatment
• Chiropractic and physical therapy
• Funeral costs

It applies to you and your passengers, and it pays quickly—often much faster than a liability or personal injury claim.

How MedPay Works with Other Insurance

MedPay works alongside other types of coverage. Here’s how:

• Pays First: MedPay is considered primary. It pays medical bills right away, without waiting for health insurance approval or legal outcomes.
• No Deductibles or Copays: There’s no need to meet a deductible, and you’re not responsible for co-pays or coinsurance.
• Doesn’t Depend on Fault: Whether or not you caused the accident, MedPay still applies.
• Complements Health Insurance: If you have high-deductible or limited health insurance, MedPay can help offset those gaps.
• Won’t Affect Your Legal Claim: If you’re pursuing compensation from an at-fault driver, MedPay helps you cover costs now while your attorney negotiates a fair settlement.

Benefits of MedPay

There are several advantages to including MedPay in your auto policy:

1. Quick Financial Relief

Medical bills start arriving right after a crash. MedPay helps you stay ahead of expenses while waiting on a settlement or insurance decision.

2. Reduced Financial Pressure

With medical costs covered, you’re less likely to feel pressured to settle your injury claim early just to pay bills.

3. Applies to Everyone in Your Vehicle

Passengers are often surprised to find that MedPay helps cover their injuries, too—even if they don’t have their own auto insurance.

4. Relatively Low Cost

Adding MedPay usually costs just a few dollars per month, depending on the coverage limit you choose.

Limitations of MedPay

MedPay doesn’t cover everything. Some things to keep in mind:

• Coverage Caps: Most policies offer limits between $5,000 and $25,000. In serious crashes, that may not be enough to cover all expenses.
• No Lost Wages or Pain and Suffering: MedPay is strictly for medical costs. It doesn’t compensate for missed work or emotional distress.
• Overlap with Health Insurance: If you have excellent health coverage with low out-of-pocket costs, MedPay might be less useful—but still offers convenience and speed.

Our Take

In our experience helping injury victims, we’ve seen how helpful MedPay can be—especially in the early stages after a crash. Even a small amount can give you breathing room while your injury claim unfolds.

While the right decision depends on your personal finances and insurance setup, we recommend carrying at least $5,000–$10,000 in MedPay coverage—and more if it’s affordable. It’s a modest investment for potentially significant support.

Have Questions About Your Coverage?

If you’ve been in a crash or are reviewing your insurance options, our team can help. We regularly advise clients on how coverage like MedPay impacts their case and recovery.

Call or text us at (303) 388-5304 for free legal advice.