Who Pays for My Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Nova Scotia?
One of the first concerns people have after a car accident is simple but important: who is going to pay for my medical treatment?
In Nova Scotia, medical expenses after a collision are typically covered through three potential sources:
- The Accident Benefits program under your own auto insurance policy
- Private health insurance benefits (for example, Blue Cross, Manulife, Canada Life, etc.)
- A personal injury claim against the at-fault driver, advanced against their automobile insurer
Understanding how these sources work together is key to making sure your treatment is covered.
“Section B” Accident Benefits: Immediate Coverage Regardless of Fault
If you are injured in a motor vehicle collision, you generally have access to Accident Benefits under Section B of your own auto insurance policy. These benefits apply regardless of who caused the accident.
Accident Benefits may cover:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and other treatments
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment and assistive devices
- Income replacement if you cannot work
- Attendant care in serious injury cases
- Certain travel expenses related to treatment
If you are a passenger, Accident Benefits are typically accessed through the policy of the vehicle you were in at the time of the accident. If you are a pedestrian or cyclist struck by a vehicle, benefits are generally accessed through the policy of the vehicle that hit you.
Coverage is not unlimited. There are caps on certain benefits and requirements for treatment plans or insurer approval. If your treatment exceeds available limits, additional coverage may need to come from other insurance sources or through a claim.
Private Health Benefits (Such as Blue Cross)
In addition to Accident Benefits, many people have private health insurance through work or an individual plan, including providers such as Blue Cross, Manulife, Canada Life, and others.
Private health benefits may cover:
- Physiotherapy and massage therapy
- Prescription medications
- Chiropractic treatment
- Medical equipment
- Hospital stays
- Other extended health services
In many cases, treatment providers will bill your private insurer first, with Accident Benefits acting as secondary coverage. Coordination between plans is important because insurers often require claims to be submitted in a specific order.
If you are unsure how your coverage works together, reviewing your policies or speaking directly with your insurer can clarify what should be billed and when.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim Against the At-Fault Driver
Accident Benefits and private insurance are designed to provide immediate support, but they do not fully compensate for all losses.
If another driver caused or contributed to the collision, you may pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver and their auto insurer to recover additional damages, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future income loss
- Loss of ability to perform household tasks
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the collision that are not covered by insurance
This claim is typically advanced through the at-fault driver’s insurance company and may resolve through settlement or litigation.
Why Accident Benefits Still Matter
Even if you plan to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver, Accident Benefits often pay for treatment upfront so you can access care right away.
Because personal injury claims can take months or even years to resolve, these benefits play an important role in ensuring you receive medical support while your case is ongoing. In many situations, insurers providing Accident Benefits may also have reimbursement rights depending on the outcome of your claim.
If you have questions about who should be paying your medical bills, how Accident Benefits interact with private insurance, or whether you should pursue a claim against the at-fault driver, the Personal Injury team at MDW Law can help.