I tried to hand-catch my Phantom 4 in high wind. It dipped, and the prop sliced my index finger to the bone. Nerve damage. ER bill $4,000. I claimed it on my drone insurance “Medical Payments.” Denied.
Key Takeaways
- MedPay is for Others: “Medical Payments” coverage on a liability policy pays for Third Parties (bystanders) you injure. It does NOT pay for the insured (you).
- Health Insurance: You must use your personal Health Insurance.
- Occupational Accident: If you are a freelancer without health insurance, you need an Occupational Accident policy (see “Spotter Injury”).
- The “Hand Catch” Risk: Insurance adjusters view hand catching as unsafe. If you injure someone else while hand catching, they might argue negligence for not landing safely on the ground.
The “Why” (The Trap): “Insured vs. Third Party”
Liability insurance protects your assets from lawsuits.
You cannot sue yourself.
Therefore, liability coverage never pays for your own injuries.
You need First Party coverage (Health, Aflac, Occ Acc).
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I asked about pilot injuries.
1. Drone Liability Policy
- Scenario: Pilot cut finger.
- Result: Denied. “Insured Person” exclusion.
2. Personal Health Insurance
- Scenario: ER Visit.
- Result: Covered. (Subject to deductible).
3. Disability Insurance
- Scenario: Nerve damage prevents me from flying sticks.
- Result: Covered (If I bought a Disability policy).
Comparison Table: Who Pays for Finger?
| Policy | Pays Pilot Injury? | Pays Bystander Injury? |
| Drone Liability | No | Yes |
| Drone MedPay | No | Yes |
| Health Insurance | Yes | No |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Stop Hand Catching: It’s cool until it isn’t. Use a landing pad.
- First Aid Kit: Keep a tourniquet and heavy gauze in your drone case. Prop cuts bleed heavily.
- Review Health Policy: Do you have health insurance? If not, you are one bad catch away from a $5k bill.
- Use Prop Guards: If you must hand catch (boat landing), use guards.
FAQ
Q: What if I cut my client’s hand while he caught it?
A: Covered. He is a third party. Liability applies.
Q: Are carbon fiber props more dangerous?
A: Yes. They don’t flex; they cut bone. Plastic props shatter.
[IMAGE: Photo of a drone First Aid kit with tourniquet visible.]