Accidental Death Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

Accidents can happen at any time and can cause severe injuries or even death. In India, the rate of accidental deaths has been increasing over the years. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there were 3,97,530 accidental deaths in India in 2021. ^[1] These unfortunate events can leave families devastated, both emotionally and financially. In India, accidental deaths & disabilities are a common occurrence. In many cases, the breadwinner of the family ends up being disabled at the very least. This highlights the importance of having medical insurance or accidental death insurance. It can provide financial support to the family in case of such an unfortunate event.

What is Accidental Death Insurance?

Accidental death insurance is a type of insurance policy providing financial protection to the family of the insured in case of accidental death or disability. This policy pays out a lump sum amount to the nominee of the policy if the insured gets into an accident. The payout amount varies depending on the sum assured and the policy terms and conditions. The beneficiary can use this amount to pay for funeral expenses, debts, or other expenses.

Benefits of Accidental Death Insurance

Here are the benefits of buying an accident insurance plan:

·         Financial Protection

Accidental death insurance provides financial protection to the family of the insured. In the event of the death of the insured due to an accident, the nominee receives a lump sum amount, which can help them to pay off debts and other expenses.

·         Affordable

Accidental death insurance is an affordable insurance policy. The premium amount for this policy is generally lower than other types of insurance policies.

·         Customizable

An accidental death insurance policy can be customized as per the individual's requirements. The policyholder can choose the sum assured and the policy terms and conditions suiting their needs.

·         No Medical Check-up Required

Accidental death insurance policies do not require a medical check-up. This makes it easier for people with pre-existing medical conditions to obtain this insurance policy.

·         Tax Benefits

The premium amount paid for accidental death insurance is eligible for tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. The payout amount received by the nominee is also tax-free.**

Types of Accidental Death Insurance Policies

Here are the different types of accidental insurance plans:

·         Individual Accidental Death Insurance Policy

This policy covers only one person, and the payout amount is paid to the nominee in case of the accidental death of the insured.

·         Group Accidental Death Insurance Policy

This policy covers a group of people, such as employees of a company. In case of the accidental death of an insured member, the payout amount is paid to the nominee.

What coverage do you get under this policy?

Here is the accident insurance coverage offered under this policy:

·         Accidental death cover

The sum assured amount will be paid to the nominee in case of the death of the policyholder. This is known as the accidental death benefit.

·         Permanent disability cover

If the accident causes permanent disability, the policyholder will be paid a pre-agreed amount.

·         Permanent partial disability cover

If the accident causes permanent partial damage to the insured, they will pay 100% of the insured amount.

·         Temporary Total Disability

If the insured suffers an accident disabling him for a certain period of time, the insurance company will be paid the agreed amount.

Things to Consider Before Buying Accidental Death Insurance

Here are a few considerations you should have before buying personal accident insurance cover:

·         Sum Assured

The sum assured should be sufficient to cover the financial needs of the family in case of accidental death.

·         Policy Terms and Conditions

It is important to read and understand the policy terms and conditions before buying accident insurance coverage.

·         Premium Amount

The premium amount should be affordable and should fit into the budget of the policyholder.

·         Exclusions

The policyholder should be aware of the exclusions mentioned in the policy document. For example, the policy may not cover death due to suicide, drug overdose, or natural causes. While accidental death insurance policies are affordable and customizable, it is important to choose the best accident insurance policy for your needs. It is advisable to compare different policies and their features before deciding. It is also important to disclose all relevant information to the insurance company, such as pre-existing medical conditions, to avoid any complications in the future.

Conclusion

Accidents can happen at any time and can cause severe financial and emotional distress to the family of the insured. Accidental death insurance provides financial protection to the family in case of accidental death. It is an affordable insurance policy which can be customized as per the individual's requirements. Before buying medical insurance for accidents, it is important to consider the coverage amount, policy terms and conditions, premium amount, and exclusions mentioned in the policy document. By purchasing accidental death insurance, one can ensure their family is financially secure in case of an unexpected tragedy. In conclusion, accidental death insurance is an essential type of insurance policy providing financial support to the family of the insured in case of accidental death. It is an affordable and customizable insurance policy that can be tailored to the individual's needs. However, it is important to consider the sum assured, policy terms and conditions, premium amount, and exclusions before buying accidental death insurance. By choosing the right policy, one can ensure their family is financially secure in case of an unexpected tragedy. ** Tax benefits are subject to change in prevalent tax laws. 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.