Non-Emergency Medical Transport Insurance
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Non-emergency medical transport insurance, or NEMT insurance for short, is business insurance tailored to businesses and companies that transport patients to and from medical appointments.

Do I need NEMT insurance?

Most cities, municipalities, and private facilities you contract or partner with will require a minimum amount of coverage or proof of insurance. So, be sure to check existing and potential business contracts for specific requirements.

Aside from partner requirements, federal insurance requirements are in place because the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration considers non-emergency medical transport vehicles to be “for-hire” passenger carriers. Since they’re classified as for-hire, they’re subject to specific insurance requirements.

You must “obtain and file minimum levels of financial responsibility.” Said minimum levels of financial responsibility are as follows.

• $1.5 million of coverage for vehicles that carry at most 15 passengers, including the driver
• $5 million of coverage for vehicles that carry at least 16 passengers, including the driver

How does NEMT insurance work?

It’s important to note that you can’t insure any vehicle with NEMT insurance. Some carriers require that you have certain vehicle features in place, like safety equipment and written safety procedures. It’s also common for insurance companies to exclude certain features, such as light bars, sirens, and life support equipment, from a NEMT insurance policy.

Other factors that may affect a NEMT insurance policy include:

• Vehicle model, age, and seating capacity
• The age of drivers

What type of insurance do NEMT businesses need?

Because your operations are unique, your insurance will be as well. However, there are a few common coverages that many NEMT business owners purchase.

• Commercial Auto — Insures your business’s vehicles while on the job. Considering the nature of non-emergency medical transport, this is arguably the most critical coverage you’ll need.
• General Liability — Protects you and your business if a guest is injured or your business’s operations accidentally cause property damage, product damage, copyright violation, and more.
• Workers Compensation — Provides coverage for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages for employees who are injured or become ill at work.
• Commercial Property — Offers a financial safety net if disaster hits and your business’s property is damaged by fire, weather, or smoke.
• Directors & Officers Liability — This coverage is designed to protect individuals in management roles if they are sued for actions or decisions they made running the business. It’s a way of providing personal financial protection for company officers and directors as individuals.
• Abuse and Molestation — There’s no denying that non-emergency medical transport companies frequently work with vulnerable adults. Lawsuits alleging abuse or molestation can incur substantial costs, including defense fees, settlements, judgments, and more. This coverage helps cover these costs, protecting the financial stability of your business.

How much does NEMT insurance cost?

Unfortunately, there’s no single estimate for how much NEMT insurance costs. Premium can vary based on a lot of different factors, including:

• Your business’s location
• Travel radius
• Drivers’ driving history
• The value of the vehicle(s) and attached equipment
• Vehicle’s age and model
• Your business’s claims history
• First aid procedures
• Manager experience level
• Vehicle maintenance procedures
• The type and amount of coverage you choose

Get in Touch

You’ve worked hard to build your NEMT business. The next step is to protect it. I’ll assess your risks and help you tailor an insurance policy.

Derek Cowart

Owner, Insurance Advisor, Principal