Medical Payments Coverage Applies to Travel Expenses?

Our insured turned in an auto accident claim recently and asked about medical payments coverage. She was injured in the accident, and she has had to spend some money as travel expenses to her doctor for treatment. She wondered if this is considered an expense that is included under medical payments coverage. The wording on the auto policy is the same as that on the standard personal auto policy (PAP). We are of the opinion that there is coverage for these expenses. What is your opinion?

Ohio Subscriber

Travel expenses would be covered as med pay. The insuring agreement for the medical payments coverage is rather broad; it applies to reasonable expenses incurred for necessary medical and funeral services. An objection may be raised in that travel is not exactly medical in nature, but if the expense is reasonable and the travel was necessary for the medical service, the insured is entitled to the benefit of the doubt. Besides, the med pay coverage applies to funeral expenses and that most certainly includes the cost of a hearse traveling to and from a funeral home. So, travel expenses for medical services should also be considered a legitimate item to cover under the med pay section of the PAP.

Furthermore, there is no exclusion that would apply. And, if the insurer wanted to specify what expenses are covered as med pay, it should have listed such specifications in the policy.