Short Answer

In North Carolina, medical payments (“Med Pay”) is optional. If your auto policy has no Med Pay, you can still pursue coverage through the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, and your health insurance. You must also manage provider and health-plan reimbursement claims correctly. Policy notice and consent rules—especially for UIM—can affect your recovery.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know how to get crash-related medical bills paid in North Carolina when your auto insurer says you do not have Med Pay. Here, your insurer confirmed there is no standalone Med Pay, but your policy has a limited auto protection plan. The question is: what coverage can you use now, and what steps protect your right to payment later?

Apply the Law

North Carolina does not require Med Pay coverage. Without Med Pay, medical bills are usually paid first by health insurance, and then reimbursed from any liability or UM/UIM recovery. You can also claim directly against the at-fault driver’s liability coverage, and if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you can use your own UM/UIM coverage. Providers and health plans may assert statutory liens or contractual reimbursement rights against your settlement; those must be handled correctly. Disputes with insurers can be resolved by negotiation or, if needed, by filing suit in the appropriate North Carolina court.

Key Requirements

• Identify all coverage sources: Health insurance, at-fault driver’s liability, your UM/UIM, and any limited benefits in your auto policy.
• Give timely notice and proof: Report claims promptly and submit bills/records as your policies require.
• Show accident-related, reasonable charges: Bills must relate to the crash and be reasonable in amount.
• Preserve UM/UIM rights: Notify your carrier and obtain written consent before settling with the liability insurer to avoid forfeiting UIM.
• Manage liens and reimbursements: Honor valid medical provider liens and health-plan reimbursement claims per North Carolina law.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-279.21 (Motor vehicle liability; UM/UIM) - Sets required auto liability limits and explains UM/UIM coverage that can pay when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44-49 (Medical provider liens) - Allows certain medical providers to claim a lien on personal injury recoveries for reasonable charges when statutory steps are followed.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44-50 (Distribution of recoveries with liens) - Governs how settlement funds are distributed when valid medical liens exist, including priorities and limits.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-25 (Workers’ compensation medical care) - If the crash happened in the course of employment, the employer must furnish medical treatment under workers’ compensation.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because your policy has no Med Pay, start by having providers bill your health insurance to keep care moving. Your attorney should open a bodily injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer and evaluate a UM/UIM claim on your policy. Ask your insurer to confirm in writing what limited “auto protection plan” benefits exist (for example, ambulance or certain travel expenses) and submit required proof to access them.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You/your attorney. Where: At-fault driver’s insurer and your own auto insurer (for UM/UIM and any limited benefits). What: Notice of claim and proof of loss (police report, medical bills/records). When: Give notice promptly per your policies; do not settle the liability claim before getting your UM/UIM carrier’s written consent.
2. Have all providers submit bills to your health insurer within the plan’s claim window and request itemized statements. Your attorney tracks health-plan reimbursement claims and any provider lien notices while treatment continues.
3. After treatment stabilizes, your attorney negotiates with insurers. If the case resolves, settlement funds are distributed in compliance with North Carolina’s lien and reimbursement rules. If not, a lawsuit may be filed in the appropriate North Carolina trial court.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• If the at-fault driver is uninsured or flees (hit-and-run), UM may be your primary auto coverage.
• Do not settle with the liability insurer without your UM/UIM carrier’s written consent; you can forfeit UIM rights.
• Health plans (including some ERISA plans) may demand reimbursement from settlements; address these early to avoid delays.
• Medical providers can assert statutory liens on your recovery; ensure notices are proper and charges are reasonable before paying.
• Limited “auto protection plan” benefits may require pre-approval or only cover specified categories; read the endorsement carefully.
• If the crash was work-related, workers’ compensation may be the primary payer for medical care; follow employer and Commission procedures.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with crash-related medical bills and no Med Pay, our firm can help you coordinate health insurance, liability, and UM/UIM claims and protect your rights. Call us today.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.