After an injury on the job, your first priority is getting medical care. But what happens if your boss tells you to “just use your personal health insurance” instead of filing a workers’ compensation claim? This suggestion can be confusing.
The simple answer is no. Using your personal health insurance for a work injury is a serious mistake that can cost you significant money and jeopardize your rights. While your boss might mean well, following this advice benefits your employer, not you.
Why using personal health insurance is a financial risk
Your employer may suggest this to avoid reporting an incident, which helps keep their insurance premiums down. You, however, are the one who assumes all the financial risk.
- You must pay your health insurance deductibles and co-pays
- Your provider can deny the claim once it discovers the injury happened at work
- You may be left responsible for thousands of dollars in medical bills
Most importantly, your personal health insurance provides no benefits for lost wages. Workers’ compensation is designed to cover a portion of your missed paychecks while you recover. Your health insurance plan will not do this.
You forfeit your right to specific workers’ comp benefits
The workers’ compensation system provides a specific set of benefits that you give up by not filing a claim. This system is designed to pay for all necessary medical care related to the injury.
It also provides other protections, such as mileage reimbursement for medical appointments and vocational rehabilitation services if you cannot return to your previous job. This is especially important for a serious injury, like a back injury, which may require long-term treatment.
What you should do after a work injury
The correct procedure is to report your injury to your employer immediately. In Florida, you must report your injury within 30 days.
Once you report it, your employer is legally required to report the injury to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. This action is what officially begins your claim. This process protects your right to receive medical treatment and wage benefits under the law.
Protecting your claim from the start
The moments after a work injury are confusing. It is a time when a simple “shortcut” from your boss can cause you to sign away your rights. The Florida workers’ compensation system is complex, and insurance carriers have experience protecting their own interests.
Understanding the correct procedure versus your employer’s advice is the first step. If you are facing pressure to use your personal health insurance or are unsure what to do next, you may want to learn more about your legal options.