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Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

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.2

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.

What is accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) 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.3

What does AD&D insurance cover?

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:

  • Accidental Deaths: An unexpected and unplanned death.
  • Dismemberments: The loss of an entire body part, such as a limb. They may also refer to the use of a specific body part, and its function, like vision, hearing or speech.
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Life insurance vs. accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance

As noted earlier, sometimes accidental death and dismemberment insurance can be a benefit found in some life insurance plans.4 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.5

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.

Pros and cons of AD&D insurance

There are a handful of advantages and disadvantages to choosing AD&D insurance. Let’s dive in:

  • PRO - Helps you or loved ones recoup lost income: Depending on how the AD&D insurance plan functions, you may be able to use cash benefits to supplement everyday needs, like lost income.
  • PRO - Quick coverage: With many AD&D insurance plans, you may be able to access benefits faster than other types of health insurance.
  • PRO - Affordable premiums: In general, AD&D insurance has budget-friendly rates. Chatting with an agent can help you better forecast costs.
  • CON - Some coverage limitations: It’s essential that you read the fine print in each insurance plan to make sure you understand what qualifies as accidental death and dismemberment.
  • CON - You might lose coverage if you change jobs: If you get AD&D insurance through your employer, you may not be able to take it with you if you choose to change jobs. However, you can buy accident insurance independently, so that your employment does not impact your coverage.

Aflac offers accidental death and dismemberment benefits

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.

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