Non-emergency medical transportation companies carry passengers who may be elderly, disabled, or medically vulnerable. Medicaid programs, transportation brokers, and healthcare facilities usually set insurance requirements before a provider can take trips, and those requirements vary by state and contract.
Coverage commonly required
While the specifics depend on your contracts, NEMT providers are frequently asked to carry:
- Commercial auto liability, often at limits higher than a typical business vehicle.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
- Physical damage coverage for owned vehicles and wheelchair-accessible equipment.
- General liability for injuries outside the vehicle, such as during loading and assistance.
- Workers’ compensation for drivers and staff.
- Abuse and molestation coverage, which some contracts require.
- Umbrella or excess liability to meet higher contractual limits.
Start with your contract
Before shopping for coverage, gather the insurance section of every broker, Medicaid, or facility agreement you have or plan to sign. Note required limits, additional insured wording, and certificate requirements. Buying coverage first and checking the contract later is a common source of delays.
What underwriters look at
Insurers often review driver experience and motor vehicle records, vehicle types and values, radius of operation, trip volume, passenger assistance training, and prior claims. Strong hiring standards and documented driver training can make a submission more attractive.
Planning for growth
Adding vehicles, drivers, or new service areas usually needs to be reported to your insurer. Keep an up-to-date vehicle and driver schedule so you can add capacity without coverage gaps.
Common questions
- Will a personal auto policy work for NEMT?
- Generally no. Transporting passengers for a fee is typically excluded by personal auto policies, and contracts expect commercial coverage.
- Are the required limits the same in every state?
- No. Requirements are set by each state program, broker, or contract, so confirm the exact terms you are agreeing to.
Related
Coverage availability, terms, conditions, exclusions, and pricing vary by insurer and underwriting. This information is general and is not a representation of coverage under any specific policy. This article is educational and is not legal, tax, or risk-management advice.