While it can be difficult to think about the worst possible outcomes of high-risk work or travel, it’s important to consider family and their well-being in the event of your tragic, unexpected death.
One such benefit that can offer protection for an individual’s family in the event of their death during their travels is accidental death and dismember insurance, which is often offered as an additional rider on travel medical insurance plans.
What Is Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance?
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance, or as it’s sometimes called, travel accident insurance, is a benefit that pays a lump sum amount to the insured’s beneficiary in the event of death due to a covered accident.
This add-on can also cover the insured themselves in the case of dismemberment (typically defined as loss of a limb, loss of sight, or permanent paralysis) due to a covered accident, in which a fractional amount of the insured would be paid out. The types of injuries covered and the amount paid varies from insurer to insurer, and will be explicitly stated in the insurance policy.
What Does Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Cover?
Accidental death and dismemberment, or AD&D coverage, provides benefits in the event of your death or the loss of a limb due to an accident while traveling. It is a rider that can be added onto your travel insurance plan for an additional fee.
Coverage includes a lump sum benefit amount as listed in the policy’s description of coverage to be paid out to a beneficiary if you pass away or lose a limb during the effective period of your policy.
In order to qualify for this benefit, the following typically must be true:
- You have to pass within a certain number of days from the initial accident that causes the injuries related to your death, as outlined in the policy
- You do not pass from illness or disease
- The accident doesn’t occur on a common carrier
What Doesn’t Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Cover?
Typically, the accident that causes your death must be the result of external and visible means. Death from an illness or disease while traveling will exclude you from receiving the AD&D benefit.
There are certain instances in which AD&D coverage would not apply, even in the event of your death or dismemberment. These situations can include:
- Intoxication or voluntary drug use
- Mental health
- Pregnancy
- Suicide or self-inflicted injury
- War or terrorism
Who Is Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance For?
AD&D insurance is ideal for anyone who works in a high-risk profession, like construction or mining. It is also recommended for those who travel frequently. Accidental death and dismemberment insurance can be purchased as an add-on for many travel insurance policies.
For those who are traveling away from families that would struggle with the financial burden of their unexpected death, accidental death and dismemberment insurance for travel can be a valuable safeguard.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Travel Insurance
Most travel medical plans on VisitorsCoverage have the option to add on an additional accidental death travel insurance rider to ensure that your beneficiary will be covered under certain circumstances.
Have more questions? Learn more about Accidental Death And Dismemberment (AD&D) Coverage or contact our Customer Success Team for assistance.
