The Real Price of Accidents: How Accident Medical Expense Insurance Has You Covered

Accidents can happen when you least expect them, and even minor injuries can lead to major expenses. While your primary health insurance is there to help, it can still leave you with out-of-pocket medical expenses. Accident Medical Expense (AME) coverage steps in to help with those extra costs that add up quickly.  

Here’s a closer look at some often-overlooked expenses and how AME can support you: 

Facility Fees Beyond the ER Visit 

Hospitals may charge extra facility fees for using the emergency room, staying for observation, or being admitted as an inpatient. These fees often range from $1,000 to $2,000 for each visit.1 With AME coverage, eligible facility fees are paid in full up to your plan’s benefit limit. This means you can get the care you need without being left with large out-of-pocket costs after treatment. 

High‑Cost Diagnostic Services

Imaging exams like X‑rays, CT scans, MRIs and related lab work can run $500–$3,000 depending on complexity.2 AME reimburses eligible diagnostic expenses, allowing you to cover co‑pays and other out of pocket amounts on imaging up to your plan’s per‑accident limit. 

Urgent Care and Specialist Co-Pays 

If you need follow-up care at an urgent care center or with a specialist, you might face co-pays of $100 to $200 for each appointment, plus any deductible.3 You can use your AME benefits to helps cover these co-pays and deductible amounts for approved treatments, helping you manage costs, even if your recovery requires several visits. 

Emergency Transportation Charges 

 A ride in a ground ambulance typically costs between $400 and $1,000, while air ambulance transport can be more than $10,000.4 AME includes a special transportation benefit that reimburses you for ambulance and air ambulance services, up to your plan’s benefit amount. 

Medical Equipment and Supplies

Items like splints, braces, crutches, and casting materials can add unexpected costs. Basic supplies may start at $50, and specialty braces can cost up to $500.5 AME provides benefits for medical equipment prescribed after an accident, applied against your per-accident maximum, so you’re not left with the bill. 

Without the right coverage, out-of-pocket expenses for accidents can add up faster than you might expect. Having AME protection can make all the difference.  

For NCD members, NCDAccidentPrime delivers up to $15,000 per accident with zero deductible, plus enhanced transportation and treatment benefits. This coverage is underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company. Prepare today and let your coverage handle the surprises tomorrow.   

1. Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. “Costs for Hospital Emergency Room Visits.” (https://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb268-ER-Costs-2017.jsp) 
2. GoodRx Health. “How Much Do X-Rays, CT Scans, and MRIs Cost?” (https://www.goodrx.com/healthcare-access/patient-experience/how-much-do-x-rays-ct-scans-mris-cost) 
3. Debt.org. “How Much Does Urgent Care Cost?” (https://www.debt.org/medical/urgent-care-cost/) 
4. [Health Affairs. “Ambulance Use and Costs Vary by State and Insurer.” (https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/ambulance-use-and-costs-vary-state-and-insurer)] & National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). “Air Ambulance Costs.” (https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/Air%20Ambulance%20Costs.pdf) 
5. Verywell Health. “How Much Do Crutches, Braces, and Other DME Cost?” (https://www.verywellhealth.com/durable-medical-equipment-costs-5198607)