Your employer may offer coverage as an option in your benefits package. You may also have the option to add coverage to your existing life insurance policy as a rider. If you were to become ill and die as a result of a covered accident your life insurance policy would cover you.
In that your beneficiary will receive a payout in the event you die, accidental death insurance is very similar to life insurance. The policy does not pay a death benefit if the insured dies from a covered cause, such as a sudden fall or plane crash. You can buy a substantial amount of accidental-death insurance at a lower premium than traditional life insurance policies.
You need coverage quickly. No waiting period or medical exam is required. You can be covered immediately. This can be an advantage if it is urgent that you require insurance protection, such as for a trip or if there are other reasons.
AD&D may offer dismemberment benefits if you have concerns about your ability to pay medical expenses. These are only available for accidents and do not cover any other medical issues. Term life insurance policies come cheaply and often include multiple riders, which can offer support such as disability income and waiver of premiums. You may also be eligible for an accelerated death benefit if your condition becomes permanent.
You often travel for your consulting business. If something unexpected occurs, you need extra coverage.
You will often need to travel for your consulting business. Extra protection is necessary in the event of an emergency.
Traumatic accidents can happen at any time, without anyone knowing. They can cause trauma and grief, as well as loss of income and emergency medical costs.
Typically, accidental death covers exceptional circumstances, such as exposure to the elements, traffic accidents, homicide, falls, drowning, and accidents involving heavy equipment. AD&D insurance is supplemental life insurance and not an acceptable substitute for term life insurance.
Accidental death insurance
While accidents only accounted for 5.4% of deaths in the United States in 2016, they made up 30.2% of deaths for people between the ages of 25 to 44. This is why accidental death insurance typically isn't worth it if you're near retirement age or just need coverage for end-of-life expenses.
When accidental deaths occur, though, typical causes of accidental death or dismemberment claims are motor vehicle accidents, falls, poisoning, drowning, and gunshot injuries. Death by homicide is also considered an accidental death. But not every death resulting from such causes would be considered accidental.