An AD&D benefit* in travel insurance is a benefit that provides coverage in the event of your accidental demise or dismemberment while travelling abroad. But what circumstances are covered? What scenarios are not allowed?
What exactly is AD&D in travel medical insurance?
If you pass away, lose your sight, or lose a limb as a result of an accident while travelling abroad, the accidental demise and dismemberment (AD&D) benefit in travel health insurance pays money to you or your beneficiary. Of course, there are some restrictions. We’ll get into those specifics later.
Advice: it is wise to use an online travel insurance premium calculator premium calculator to find affordable premium prices that cater to your needs.
What does AD&D include?
AD&D insurance covers situations where an accident results in your immediate demise or dismemberment or where an accident results in a covered injury that leads to your demise or dismemberment later. A car accident, a boating accident, or a fall injury are all examples of situations where your AD&D benefit may cover you.
Most AD&D advantages –
If you pass away due to a covered accident or injury, your beneficiary can receive the total amount specified in your policy documents. If you are dismembered in a covered accident and lose one limb or sight in one eye, you may receive a portion of the total amount (often half). If you are dismembered in a covered accident and lose two or more limbs or sight in both eyes, you may receive the total amount.
Only if the following conditions are met will your beneficiary be eligible to receive your accidental death benefit:
What is covered by travel insurance –
- You pass away within a certain number of days of the initial accident that caused your fatal injuries (typically 30-90 days)
- Illness or disease does not cause your demise.
- The accident does not occur while you are a paying passenger on a commercial airline or cruise line (common carrier accident is typically a separate benefit – more on that later)
- The accident that killed you was not caused by a situation or condition specifically listed in your policy’s exclusions.
- Accidental demise and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage is standard in travel health insurance The benefit and coverage limits can be found on the description of coverage (DOC) for any procedure you’re considering. It is also available on the policy’s main webpage.
What is a coverage description (DOC)?
The description of coverage is a document describing an insurance plan’s full benefits, exclusions, and claims process. You can also email the travel insurance company and request a DOC.
Important definitions you should be aware of
- Accidental demise:
This is when an external force causes a sudden, unintentional, and unexpected occurrence that results in your demise. Remember that demise if happened, must be within certain days of your injury. (This period is 30 days for atlas travel.) Illness or disease may not have played a role in your demise.
- Accidental dismemberment:
This is a situation in which external factors cause a sudden, unintentional, and unexpected occurrence that results in either:
- Limb loss:
This refers to the complete amputation of your arm from your body at or above your wrist.
- Eye loss:
This is a complete and permanent loss of sight.
Pro tip:
For any policy you’re considering, consult the DOC to see its specific and comprehensive benefits.
‘Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.‘
* Standard T&C Apply