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What's the difference between medical payments coverage and optional basic economic loss?

I'm not really sure what the difference between OBEL and medical payments are. Both are optional, but I don't really know why'd you have one over the other. Or can you have both at the same time?

Emily Maracle · Updated on May 19, 2021

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

“

Medical payment coverage

covers most expenses related to injuries after an accident, regardless of fault.

Optional basic economic loss covers things like work loss or loss of wages. OBEL is often used to supplement your personal injury protection coverage. Personal injury protection covers funeral expenses, wage loss, and medical expenses.

Depending on where you live, you may not be able to have personal injury protection, OBEL, and medical payments at the same time. In other states, medical payments coverage can be optional and used to supplement any other coverage you have.

You’ll need to check with your current insurance carrier to see what they offer and what’s covered.

If you are looking for an insurance carrier, you can request

car insurance quotes online

. This will allow you to see which coverages are available to you.

If you’re unsure, never hesitate to ask carriers about their coverages.”

View full answer

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