There is no automatic, standard medical payment provision with motorcycles as there is with private passenger automobiles. Most motorcycle insurance policies and agents do not offer medical bill coverage. However, some companies do offer the option to purchase $1,000.00, $2,500.00, and $5,000.00 for medical coverage. If you do not have this coverage, the answer to this question depends on the particular facts of your situation. If you are riding your own motorcycle or on a resident relative’s motorcycle when you are injured you have no medical coverage from any source OTHER THAN your personal health insurance. If you are riding on ANOTHER PERSON’S motorcycle and you also own a car with insurance then you are entitled to receive medical payments from a provision of your automobile insurance called “extended medical benefits”.
If you live with a relative who has his own automobile insurance you can also get the benefit of his extended medical benefits in addition to your own. All New Jersey automobile policies provide $1,000.00 in extended medical benefits and for an extra $1.00 premium that is increased to $10,000.00. Therefore, if you are injured on a friend’s motorcycle, you have your own car insurance, you live with a relative who has his own car insurance, and you both have the increased coverage, you will be entitled to $20,000.00 in medical insurance. If you are riding your own or a resident relative’s motorcycle, you will have no coverage from any source other than your own private health insurance unless you purchased medical coverage on your motorcycle.
