Aircraft Insurance: Medical Payments Explained

While insurance needs can vary depending on the aircraft use and pilot experience, the structure of the insurance quote and policy is usually divided up into three sections: Liability, Physical Damage and Medical Payments. A common question the insurance specialists at Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) receive is “What are medical payments? Isn’t bodily injury included in my liability coverage?”
Medical payment coverage in an aircraft insurance policy is the limit that can be paid out when someone is injured in your aircraft, regardless of fault. This medical coverage is usually included in your policy ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each occupant, including the pilot, but a higher limit can be purchased for an additional premium.  The intent is payment to take care of the smaller expenses without going through the process of determining who is legally liable to pay.   If there is legal liability, then the limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage shown in your Policy applies.
Check your auto insurance policy and you will find exactly the same type of coverage, listed as Medical Payments.
An example is a passenger stepping out of your Piper Cherokee and slips on the wing requiring a few stiches at the local clinic.  Who knows who was actually at fault here but your Medical coverage will take care of your passenger regardless.
The aircraft liability portion of insurance policy specifies the limits paid should you be found liable for bodily injury. Liability can be purchased excluding or including passengers. The majority of insurance companies today write their policies on a “per passenger” policy form versus the “per person” form which is not as broad.  Be sure to check if your policy is up to industry standards by seeing if it is written on a per person or per passenger basis.
Aviation Insurance Resources is an industry leading aviation insurance agency that has access to all the major aviation insurance markets.  All of our agents are pilots so we understand the aviation industry’s needs. We strive to provide the best policy at the best premium in every situation.
To learn more about the medical payments on your policy, please contact Aviation Insurance Resources by calling 877-247-7767 or visit AIR-PROS.com today and receive a free Aircraft insurance quote! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.