Accidental injury insurance can provide a financial safety net for your family in case of unexpected medical expenses.
For example, if you or a family member suffers a serious injury that requires surgery or hospitalization, medical bills can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars.
Many people rely on their health insurance to cover these costs, but even with health insurance, out-of-pocket expenses can still be significant.
According to statistics, 62% of people with health insurance still face medical debt, and the average medical bill is around $12,000.
Understanding Accidental Injury Insurance
Accidental injury insurance can provide a financial safety net when unexpected events occur. It's designed to help cover expenses that your health insurance may not cover, such as copays and deductibles.
Accident insurance pays cash benefits for injuries resulting from an accident, which can be used for various expenses. You pay a monthly premium for coverage, so you're prepared when those unexpected life events come your way.
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The benefits of accidental injury insurance are numerous. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Immediate protection within days of receiving your application
- Helps cover out-of-pocket expenses
- Benefits are paid directly to you
- Guaranteed issue or guaranteed renewable
- No deductibles, copays or coinsurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) friendly
Accidental injury insurance can be a great complement to your medical coverage, helping pay for expenses that can happen with an unexpected accident, including x-rays, ambulance services, and deductibles. You can even use it for non-medical expenses like rent or groceries.
Benefits and Features
Accidental injury insurance can provide financial protection in case of unexpected accidents. Most policies cost between $6 and $20 a month for young and healthy individuals.
Payouts for benefits vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. For example, one policy offers $200 for second-degree burns on less than 10 percent of the body, while third-degree burns provide a benefit of $1,000.
You can use the cash benefits to cover various costs incurred while recovering from an injury. Most accident insurance plans pay benefits directly to you, with no deductibles, copays, or coinsurance.
Some common uses for accident insurance benefits include covering cost-of-living expenses while recovering, home care, and medical costs not covered by health insurance.
Here are some examples of benefits and payouts you can expect from accident insurance:
- $200 for second-degree burns on less than 10 percent of the body
- $1,000 for third-degree burns
- $600 for a broken rib requiring surgery
- $7,500 for a fractured femur that requires surgery
- $800 for qualified hospital admissions
- $200 per day for hospital stays
- Up to $100 for an emergency room visit caused by an accident
Cost and Value
Accident insurance is a relatively inexpensive option, with most policies costing between $6 and $20 a month for young and healthy individuals. However, prices can increase with age, reaching up to $50 a month for older individuals.
The monthly costs for accident insurance vary depending on the coverage level you choose. Here's a breakdown of the costs for different coverage levels:
While the costs may seem high, the benefits can be substantial, with payouts ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars for severe injuries.
Monthly Costs
Monthly costs for accident insurance vary based on the coverage level you choose. The cost can range from around $6 to $50 a month.
One thing to note is that most policies are relatively inexpensive, especially for younger and healthier individuals. However, older individuals may pay more.
The cost of accident insurance is determined by your coverage level, not your age. This means that everyone pays the same rate, regardless of their age.
Here's a breakdown of the monthly costs for different coverage levels:
Keep in mind that some policies may have deductibles before benefits are paid.
Cost vs. Benefits
Accident insurance is a relatively inexpensive way to protect yourself against unexpected medical expenses. Most policies cost between $6 and $20 a month for young and healthy individuals.
The cost of accident insurance can vary based on your age and health status, with older individuals paying up to $50 a month. However, many policies have deductibles before benefits are paid.
Payouts for benefits can also vary depending on the type and severity of your injury. For example, one policy pays $200 for second-degree burns on less than 10 percent of your body, while third-degree burns provide a benefit of $1,000.
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Here's a breakdown of some common payouts:
These payouts can add up quickly, and accident insurance can help you cover costs that your regular health insurance may not cover.
Choosing a Plan
Choosing a Plan can be easier than you think. You can get accident insurance two different ways: through an insurance professional or through your workplace.
If you're currently employed, you can reach out to your employer to see if they offer supplemental insurance, such as accident insurance. This can be a great option, as you can enroll in their group plan during open enrollment season.
When considering the type of insurance you need, think about your lifestyle and current situation. The two types of accident insurance to consider are accident expense insurance and accidental death insurance.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a plan:
Choosing a Plan
You can get accident insurance through an insurance professional or through your workplace, known as voluntary or worksite benefits.
There are two types of accident insurance to consider: accident expense insurance, which covers injuries resulting from an accident, and accidental death insurance, which pays benefits to your beneficiaries in the event of an accidental death.
If you're self-employed, you may not have paid sick leave, making accident insurance benefits a great way to make up for lost income.
Accident insurance can help cover costs beyond what your health insurance will cover, including deductibles and copays, home health care costs, and lost income due to lost time at work.
You can choose who to cover with your accident insurance plan, including your children, spouse, or the whole family.
Some accident insurance plans, like the one offered by Guardian, include benefits for wellness, travel assistance, and more, all for about the cost of a latte a day.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an accident insurance plan:
Accident insurance can be a valuable addition to your health insurance coverage, especially if you have an active lifestyle or have children who are prone to accidents.
You should consider enrolling in an accident insurance plan if you don't have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or emergency savings for accidents.
Some popular accident insurance policies, like Assurity's Individual Acci-Flex Accidental Death Insurance, offer benefits for accidents and injuries, while others, like Guardian's accident insurance, offer benefits for wellness and travel assistance.
When choosing an accident insurance plan, think about your current situation and what type of coverage you need.
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Continuation Options
If you leave employment or retire, portability of the Accident Plan is available if elected before you reach age 70. You can contact Voya at 877-464-5111 for more details and rates.
Emergency Preparedness
Accidents can happen to anyone, and they often come with a hefty price tag. About 38 million injury-related visits to the emergency room occur in the United States.
Unexpected medical expenses can be a significant burden on families. These accidents can lead to unexpected expenses that can put a dent in savings, or cause debt.
It's essential to prepare for the unexpected, not just financially, but also emotionally. Your family's well-being is at stake when accidents occur.
Exclusions and Limitations
Accidental injury insurance policies have their fair share of exclusions and limitations. You should be aware of these before buying a policy.
Exclusions may vary by state, so be sure to check your certificate of insurance and riders for a complete list.
Some exclusions are quite straightforward, such as participating in a felony or illegal activity. This means that if you're involved in something that's against the law, your policy won't pay out.
Operating a motorized vehicle while intoxicated is also excluded. This means that if you're driving under the influence and get into an accident, your policy won't cover the costs.
Suicide, attempted suicide, or intentionally self-inflicted injuries are also excluded, regardless of whether the person is sane or insane.
Here are some other exclusions to be aware of:
- War or any act of war, whether declared or undeclared, other than acts of terrorism.
- Loss sustained while on active duty as a member of the armed forces of any nation.
- Alcoholism, drug abuse, or misuse of alcohol or taking drugs, other than under the direction of a doctor.
- Riding in or driving any motor-driven vehicle in a race, stunt show or speed test.
- Operating, training to operate, serving as a crew member of, jumping, parachuting or falling from any aircraft or hot air balloon including those which are not motor-driven.
- Engaging in hang-gliding, bungee jumping, parachuting, sail gliding, parasailing, parakiting, kite surfing or any similar activities.
- Practicing for, or participating in, any semi-professional or professional competitive athletic contests for which any type of compensation or remuneration is received.
- Any sickness or declining process caused by sickness.
It's essential to read the terms and conditions of your policy carefully to understand what is and isn't covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of accident insurance?
Accident insurance may not cover injuries from self-inflicted actions, illegal activities, or accidents caused by reckless behavior, such as drinking. This can lead to denied claims, so it's essential to understand the policy's limitations before purchasing
Sources
- https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits/ncflex/accident-plan
- https://www.meetbreeze.com/accident-insurance/is-accident-insurance-worth-it/
- https://www.anthem.com/individual-and-family/insurance-basics/supplemental-limited-duration-insurance/accident
- https://www.assurity.com/news/what-is-accident-insurance
- https://www.guardianlife.com/accident-insurance
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