Accidental death and dismemberment insurance is oftentimes referred to as AD&D insurance.1 It is typically an added benefit or rider that can be added to specific kinds of health insurance, including supplemental insurance. Sometimes it is added to general health insurance plans, but other times it is added to life insurance plans.1
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Aflac offers unique supplemental insurance policies that work with your primary health insurance policy to create more coverage. You can still receive accidental death and dismemberment benefits if your major medical plan or existing life insurance plan does not cover it. Aflac’s supplemental accident plan helps provide coverage for accidental death and dismemberment, so you are able to purchase it to complement your existing health or life insurance. Read on to learn what accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance is, what it covers, and how it compares to life insurance.
The AD&D insurance meaning refers to the coverage provided when a policyholder accidentally passes away or is dismembered. Dismemberment occurs when someone loses an entire body part (limb) or the use of a specific body part. This includes vision, hearing and speech.1
AD&D insurance coverage is specific and depends on the company you choose to work with. It is subject to their general rules and regulations. However, you can typically expect some level of coverage for the following:
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedAs noted earlier, sometimes accidental death and dismemberment insurance can be a benefit found in some life insurance plans.1 However, AD&D insurance can also be accessed through supplemental accident insurance, like the policy offered at Aflac.
Life insurance may be considered more of an investment than supplemental accident insurance. Life insurance costs can vary, while accident insurance rates can remain relatively low. On the other hand, life insurance typically grants you access to some type of death benefit. A death benefit is a sum of money that is paid to beneficiaries after the policyholder passes.2
Life insurance may be the better option if you are your family's main source of income, and you hope to provide substantial financial security for your loved ones after you pass. Aflac offers both life and supplemental accident insurance, so we recommend chatting with an agent to explore your options.
There are a handful of advantages and disadvantages to choosing AD&D insurance. Let’s dive in:
Now that you know what A&D insurance is, you can decide if you need this type of coverage. If purchasing life insurance feels like a big step, supplemental accident insurance may be an easier path forward. It can also still grant you the coverage you crave. Explore Aflac’s accident insurance more in-depth to understand the host of benefits offered.
Get StartedReview all the major differences between term and whole life insurance, including costs, coverage, pros & cons.
Supplemental life insurance provides additional coverage for you and your family. Find out how it works and what types of supplemental life insurance plans are available.
1 Investopedia - Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance. Updated September 20, 2024. Accessed March 25, 2025. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/accidental-death-dismemberment-insurance.asp.
2 Investopedia - Death Benefit: How It’s Taxed and Who Can Claim It. Updated September 28, 2023. Accessed March 25, 2025. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/deathbenefit.asp.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Receipt of accelerated death benefits may affect eligibility for public assistance programs. Benefits may also be taxable, and are not expected to receive the same favorable tax treatment as other types of accelerated death benefits that may be available.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Aflac life plans – A68000 series: Term Life Policies: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Pennsylvania & Virginia, Policies: ICC1368200, ICC1368300, ICC1368400. In Delaware, Policies A68200, A68300 & A68400. In New York, Policies NY68200, NY68300 and NY68400. Whole Life Policies: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Pennsylvania & Virginia, Policies: ICC1368100. In Delaware, Policy A68100. In New York, Policy NYR68100. B60000 series: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma & Virginia, Policies: ICC18B60C10, ICC18B60100, ICC18B60200, ICC18B60300, & ICC18B60400. Not available in Delaware. Q60000 series/Whole: In Arkansas & Delaware, Policy Q60100M. In Idaho, Policy Q60100MID. In Oklahoma, Policy Q60100MOK. Not available in Virginia. Q60000 series/Term: In Delaware, Policies Q60200CM. In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Policies ICC18Q60200C, ICC18Q60300C, ICC18Q60400C. Not available in Virginia.
Aflac Final Expense insurance coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Aflac Incorporated and is administered by Aetna Life Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
In AR, DE, ID, OK and VA: Policies ICC21-AFLLBL21 and ICC21-AFLRPL21; and Riders ICC21-AFLABR22, ICC21-AFLADB22, and ICC21-AFLCDR22. Aflac Final Expense policies are not available in New York.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations, and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Aflac New York | 22 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Suite 2 | Albany, NY 12211
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