Please get the word out: check your Health Insurance policy language to make sure it covers you if you are injured in a motorcycle accident. Every day I see new clients who have been injured by an irresponsible driver and every day I have to explain, to their surprise, that they do not have the proper insurance to cover their medical bills.
These are smart people who honestly believe they have proper insurance coverage. All too often they don’t have any coverage or only have minimal insurance. There is no such thing as full coverage. Your agent may tell you that you have it but, let me repeat: There is no such thing as “full coverage.”
Your own health insurance policy is what should pay for your medical bills if you are in a motorcycle accident. However, most Insurers are now EXCLUDING coverage for motorcycle injuries.
Union members who we all expect to have “good” insurance benefits should check your policies. Look for exclusions, which are contained in a separate section in the policy descriptions. You may be surprised to see you are not covered for motorcycle injuries.
I met with a man who was left-turned a few days ago. He was flown by helicopter to the trauma center with severe leg injuries as well as other fractures. When the hospital learned of the exclusion of coverage on his insurance policy they moved quickly to discharge him. Despite all efforts to help him, no rehabilitation center would accept him because his insurance excluded coverage. He is now home, wheelchair bound, and paying for home renovations out of his own pocket so he can maneuver his wheelchair in and around his house. He will not receive the rehab and follow up care he needs and deserves because his insurance policy excludes it.
Please check your policies, and if you have any questions or are unsure about the extent of your coverage feel free to call us and we will help you. We are also available to speak with any groups about this and other issues at no cost to you, as we feel this issue is that important.
