What Does Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance Cover?

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance coverage

AD&D insurance covers a range of circumstances, including the following:²

• Accidental death: The accident must be a direct cause of death.
• Loss of limbs: AD&D insurance generally helps cover expenses associated with the loss of a body part. Policies specify a coverage percentage or amount they provide for each type of loss.
• Loss of certain senses: Accidents that cause loss of impairments and lack of sensations.
• Immobility: Some policies help with loss of motion.

What isn’t covered by AD&D insurance?

AD&D insurance policies typically don’t cover specific causes of death or severe injury. Some of these include:²

• Death from illness or natural causes
• Death under the influence of nonprescription drugs
• Death while committing a crime
• Driving under the influence
• Overdose of toxic substances
• Some high-risk recreational activities, such as skydiving
• Suicide
• Wartime injuries

Always check your policy documents to be sure what your policy covers.

How to get an accidental death and dismemberment insurance policy

You can get AD&D insurance through work or individually through an insurer, and each type of policy works differently. Let’s look at the differences between group and individual AD&D insurance:

Group AD&D insurance

Group AD&D insurance is a workplace benefit employers can offer employees. This kind of coverage tends to cost less than individual AD&D insurance since the risk is spread across more individuals. Additionally, you can have premiums deducted from your paycheck to make payments more manageable. Some employers may cover all employee premiums. To get this type of coverage, you simply select it when enrolling in your benefits plan if your employer offers it.

Keep in mind that group AD&D insurance may offer fewer choices in terms of coverage and policy terms. The benefit may also be lower.

Individual AD&D insurance

Individual AD&D insurance may cost more than group AD&D insurance. However, you have more flexibility since you can shop with multiple insurers and choose from a wider range of coverage amounts and terms. Plus, you can keep your policy if you change jobs.

You can get these policies from any insurer that offers them. When you apply, you’ll need to fill out some paperwork with information about yourself, your job, and your lifestyle. You can also get AD&D insurance as a rider on a life insurance plan if your insurer offers these riders.

Pros and cons of AD&D insurance

Here are a few benefits and drawbacks of getting an AD&D insurance policy:

Pro: Premiums priced to fit most budgets

AD&D insurance costs can vary depending on coverage.³ You can shop around to find the best fit for you. However, remember that many factors, such as your age, health history, and more, can impact your premiums.

Pro: Helps loved ones with loss of income

If you get injured, you may be unable to work for a certain period while recovering. An AD&D policy can help you and your loved ones with loss of income. Similarly, if you pass away, an AD&D insurance plan can provide your family with an added financial safety net. This is also true if you add it as a rider to your life insurance plan — loved ones could receive a substantially larger death benefit, leaving them more financially secure.

Pro: Helps with medical costs

AD&D insurance can help you cover medical costs related to treating and recovering from the injury. Plus, your funds can go even further if you get a short-term disability insurance policy alongside your AD&D insurance. The short-term disability policy can help replace part of your income, allowing your AD&D funds to cover more medical costs.

Pro: No medical exam required

Some prospective policyholders find medical exams for life insurance policies inconvenient or invasive. They also lengthen the application and underwriting processes. AD&D insurance generally doesn’t require a medical exam.⁴ This means you can enjoy a faster application process, increased approval chances, and less inconvenience. Furthermore, prospective policyholders can’t be denied for health reasons. Each insurer is different, and limitations and exclusions apply.

Con: Not all deaths are covered

AD&D insurance only covers accidental deaths or injuries, so not everything is covered.⁴ Additionally, some causes of death that may be accidental, such as overdoses, are not covered. On the other hand, life insurance usually covers nearly all causes of death.

Aflac offers an accidental-death benefit rider

AD&D insurance can be a way to help protect your loved ones in case of an accident. The payout can help you or loved ones cover expenses if you get injured or pass away. But keep in mind that it only covers injuries or deaths due to accidents and has several exclusions.

Aflac offers an accidental-death benefit rider that you can apply for as an add-on to a life insurance policy. Having both life insurance and this rider can help ensure you’ll be covered for nearly all causes of death. Speak with an Aflac agent today to explore how to help protect your loved ones with life insurance and an accidental-death benefit rider.