This page explains, in plain language, how to file a claim for the medical payments portion of your auto insurance policy (often called “MedPay”) in Connecticut. This is educational information only and not legal advice. For help specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or contact the Connecticut Insurance Department.

What is medical payments (MedPay)?

MedPay is an optional part of many auto insurance policies that pays for reasonable medical and funeral expenses for you and passengers injured in an auto accident, regardless of who was at fault. It can cover emergency care, doctor visits, X-rays, ambulance fees, and sometimes reasonable rehabilitation costs—up to the policy limit. MedPay usually pays quickly and without regard to fault, making it helpful for short-term cost relief.

Who can use MedPay?

• The policyholder and named insureds on the policy.
• Passengers in the covered vehicle at the time of the accident, and sometimes others injured while using the covered vehicle (check your specific policy wording).

Step-by-step: How to claim MedPay in Connecticut

1. Get prompt medical care. Seek treatment right away. Keep all medical records, bills, receipts, and provider contact information. Timely care creates the documentation insurers need.
2. Report the accident to your insurer quickly. Most policies require prompt notice. Call the phone number on your policy or insurance card and tell them you want to open a MedPay claim. Ask what information they need and whether they have a claim form.
3. Collect and submit supporting documents. Typical documents that insurers require include:
   • Completed claim form (if provided by the insurer)
   • Copy of the auto insurance declaration page (shows MedPay limit)
   • Medical records and itemized bills (ER, physician notes, ambulance bills)
   • Police report, if available
   • Photos of injuries and accident scene, witness contact info

   Send documents per the insurer’s instructions (secure portal, email, fax, or mail). Keep copies of everything you submit.

4. Ask how MedPay interacts with your health insurance. Some policies pay first; others coordinate benefits with health insurance. If your health insurer paid first, your auto insurer may reimburse it or you directly, depending on policy language and any subrogation/lien rights.
5. Understand subrogation and liens. If MedPay pays bills and another party (or their insurer) is later found responsible, your insurer may seek repayment from that at-fault party (subrogation). Similarly, your health insurer may assert a right to recover amounts they paid. Keep this in mind before signing away rights—the insurer may ask you to sign a medical authorization or repayment agreement as part of processing the claim.
6. Follow up and track the claim. Keep a claim log with dates, names of insurer representatives you spoke with, and what was said. If the insurer requests additional information, provide it as soon as possible to avoid delays.
7. If the claim is denied or limited, ask for a written explanation. The insurer must explain why. You can then request reconsideration, provide missing documents, or dispute the decision (see next section).

Timelines and legal deadlines

Insurance policies generally require prompt notice of loss. Also note Connecticut’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after an accident is typically two years from the date of injury (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-577). A lawsuit is separate from an insurance claim, but if you delay too long you could lose legal rights to pursue additional compensation. If you believe fault will be disputed or damages are large, consult an attorney early.

For more information about Connecticut’s rules on civil actions, see the Connecticut General Assembly: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-577.

Disputes, appeals, and complaints

• Request a written explanation for any denial or reduction.
• Ask for internal review or appeal under your insurer’s procedures.
• If you cannot resolve the dispute with the company, you can file a complaint with the Connecticut Insurance Department. Consumer resources and complaint forms are available at the Connecticut Insurance Department’s website: portal.ct.gov/CID.
• For legal claims beyond MedPay (e.g., pursuing full damages for lost wages, pain and suffering), talk to a Connecticut personal injury attorney before the two-year limitation expires.

Common reasons MedPay claims are delayed or denied

• Late notice to the insurer
• Missing or non-itemized medical bills
• Treatment not related to the accident (provider must connect care to the crash)
• Policy exclusions (e.g., injuries while using the vehicle for a business purpose may be excluded)
• Disputed coverage or lapses in the policy at the time of the accident

How much will MedPay pay?

MedPay limits depend on your policy (commonly $1,000, $5,000, $10,000, etc.). It pays up to the limit for reasonable medical expenses. It does not replace liability coverage that pays others, and it usually does not compensate for lost wages or pain and suffering—that would come from a liability claim against the at-fault driver or from other coverages.

Practical checklist when you get hurt in a crash

1. Get emergency medical care and follow your provider’s instructions.
2. Report the crash to your insurer right away and ask about MedPay.
3. Collect medical bills, records, and any crash reports.
4. Submit a MedPay claim with full documentation.
5. Track the claim and follow up until payment or a final decision.
6. If denied, request a written reason and consider appeal or complaint to the CT Insurance Department.
7. If you have ongoing injuries or significant damages, consult a Connecticut attorney before the statute of limitations expires.

Helpful Hints

• Read your policy declarations page to confirm whether you have MedPay and the limit amount.
• Keep careful records: dates of treatment, provider names, and copies of every bill and form you send to the insurer.
• Get the police report or accident report number when possible; insurers often request it.
• Be cautious about signing away rights. If an insurer asks you to sign something about future claims, ask for time to review it or seek legal advice.
• If another driver is clearly at fault and their insurer accepts liability, MedPay can still be useful to pay immediate bills while that liability claim is processed.
• If you have health insurance, inform your providers and ask how coordination of benefits works to avoid surprise bills or duplicate payments.
• If the insurer delays or denies without clear justification, document your communications and consider contacting the Connecticut Insurance Department for assistance: File a Complaint.

Resources

• Connecticut Insurance Department main site: portal.ct.gov/CID
• General information about civil action time limits (statute of limitations): Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-577

Disclaimer: This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice about your particular situation, consult a licensed Connecticut attorney or contact the Connecticut Insurance Department.