Short Answer

Yes. In North Carolina, medical payments coverage (often called MedPay) on your own auto policy can pay reasonable and necessary accident-related medical and funeral expenses, up to your MedPay limit, regardless of fault. Payment depends on your policy’s terms, proof that treatment was caused by the crash, and timing requirements in the policy.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know if you can use your own North Carolina auto policy’s MedPay to help with accident medical bills while you gather records and sign releases for hospitals and EMS. Put simply: can you submit those bills to your insurer and get paid now, even before any liability settlement with the at-fault driver?

Apply the Law

Under North Carolina law, MedPay is optional first-party coverage that pays an insured’s reasonable and necessary medical and funeral expenses resulting from a car crash, up to the amount shown on your declarations page. Coverage generally applies regardless of who caused the wreck. Claims are made with your own insurer (not the court). Most policies require prompt notice and that expenses be incurred and submitted within a set period after the crash, often up to three years; always check your policy.

Key Requirements

• Covered person: You (and other insureds defined by your policy) seek benefits under your own policy.
• Covered event: Medical or funeral expenses arise from a motor vehicle accident.
• Causation and necessity: Treatment must be reasonable, necessary, and caused by the crash.
• Timing: Expenses must be incurred and submitted within your policy’s time limits.
• Proof: Provide itemized bills and records your insurer requests; authorizations may be required.
• Limits and coordination: Payment is capped by your MedPay limit and may be affected by policy exclusions or coordination with other insurance.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-279.21 (Motor vehicle liability policy; required provisions) - Sets required terms for NC auto policies; MedPay is optional and its details are governed by your contract.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because you’re gathering records and signing releases for hospitals and EMS, you can submit those itemized bills and related records to your own insurer under MedPay. If the treatment is crash-related and reasonable, your insurer can pay up to your MedPay limit, regardless of fault, so long as you meet your policy’s notice and timing rules.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You or your attorney. Where: Your auto insurer’s claims department (North Carolina). What: Your insurer’s MedPay claim form, HIPAA/medical authorizations, accident date, providers list, and itemized bills/records. When: Notify your insurer promptly; many policies require expenses be incurred and submitted within up to three years of the crash (check your policy).
2. Your insurer reviews causation and necessity and may request additional documentation. Payment, if owed, is typically issued to you or directly to providers; timing varies by insurer and completeness of your submissions.
3. When the MedPay limit is exhausted, the insurer issues an explanation of benefits/payment and closes the MedPay portion of the claim.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• MedPay is optional in North Carolina; if you did not purchase it, you cannot claim it.
• Policy limits cap payment. You cannot collect more than the limit or more than your actual reasonable medical charges for covered treatment.
• Stacking benefits across vehicles or policies depends on your policy language; some policies restrict stacking.
• Some policies include reimbursement/subrogation terms related to third-party recoveries. Review these before settling with the at-fault insurer.
• Submit itemized bills (CPT/UB/HCFA) rather than balance statements, and respond promptly to requests for records or authorizations.
• Do not miss notice or proof deadlines; late submissions can lead to denials even if treatment is crash-related.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with accident-related medical bills and want to use MedPay wisely while your claim develops, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at 919-341-7055.

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.