Accidents can happen when you least expect them. While you can’t prevent every mishap, you can prepare for the financial stress they may bring. That’s where Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance comes in.
Learn how AD&D works and how it pairs with accident insurance and other types of health plans. Then find out why it might be a smart addition to your plan.
What is Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance?
AD&D coverage is a type of supplemental insurance. It provides financial benefits to your loved ones if you die or to you if you suffer certain serious injuries due to an accident. Covered injuries may include:
How does AD&D insurance work?
If a person dies or suffers a serious injury, AD&D policies typically pay benefits. For example, if your plan has a $5,000 benefit, you or your beneficiaries could receive the full amount if you die within a certain number of days of a covered accident (typically 30-90 days, depending on the plan). You may receive a percentage of the benefit if you are left disabled — for instance, if you lose a hand.
The paid benefits can help cover medical bills, funeral costs or daily expenses that your health insurance may not fully cover. Just remember, AD&D isn't meant to replace your income or benefits from life insurance, but it can provide short term financial support during a difficult time.
Another important note: AD&D and accident insurance aren’t meant to replace a regular health insurance plan, either. Instead, think of AD&D, along with accident insurance, as a way to help you and your loved ones have benefits to help cover out-of-pocket expenses when you need them most.
Don’t let an accident catch you off guard. Browse accident insurance plans available in your area today. Just enter your zip code to get started.
How is AD&D different from accident insurance?
Accident insurance helps pay for medical bills if you get hurt in any type of accident. That can include injuries that happen when you’re out hiking or driving in your car.
The benefits from accident insurance can help pay for things such as:
For example, if you break your arm, accident insurance would provide benefits to help with the costs.
Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance is different. It only pays benefits for very serious accidents, like losing your eyesight, or if you die because of a covered accident.
Think of accident insurance as covering everyday injuries, while AD&D is for the worst-case or life-changing scenarios.
Can AD&D be paired with accident insurance?
Yes. And usually, depending on the insurance provider, they come together in one plan. AD&D is paired with accident insurance in one policy to provide benefits that can help with the financial and medical effects of a serious accident.
Both AD&D and accident insurance pay the benefits directly to you, your beneficiaries, or your provider (if you assign the benefits to them). That way, you (or your beneficiaries) decide how best to use them. For instance, the benefits can be used for medical costs such as ambulance rides, hospital stays or physical therapy. Or they can be used to pay bills. This is especially helpful if you are unable to work due to your injuries.
Here's how they work together: If you're in a car accident, for instance, the benefits from accident insurance would help pay your medical bills. If that same car crash caused you to lose an arm or leg, your AD&D insurance would then give you benefits to help with long-term needs.
How is AD&D different from life insurance?
AD&D provides a benefit only if death or serious injury occurs due to a covered accident. Life insurance, on the other hand, pays a death benefit regardless of the cause (unless specific exclusions apply).1
Because AD&D covers fewer scenarios, it usually costs less than life insurance. Many people choose to have both: life insurance offers broad protection, while AD&D and accident insurance adds extra support in case of an unexpected accident.
Can AD&D work well with other types of health insurance?
Many times AD&D insurance is already part of accident insurance. And accident insurance can be paired with employer-based and Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance as well as supplemental plans. These include:
- High-deductible health plans (HDHPs). With an HDHP, you must meet the out-of-pocket costs before the insurance plan starts to pay for covered services. This is where accident insurance is especially helpful. If you break a bone or get hurt, accident insurance gives you the benefits to help pay for those out-of-pocket medical expenses.
- Critical illness insurance. Some states require critical illness policies to be included in accident insurance. But if you live in a state that doesn’t have this requirement, you might want to consider this type of supplemental insurance too. While not a health plan, it does pay benefits if you become ill with a covered condition or experience a heart attack, for example.
No matter what type of major health insurance you have, supplemental plans like accident insurance can provide benefits for out-of-pocket expenses. Learn more.
Who should get AD&D coverage?
Anyone can have an accident, but some people may be at higher risk because of their lifestyle, job or hobbies. You may want to consider AD&D if you:
- Spend a lot of time driving or traveling
- Want additional financial help for your family in case something unexpected happens
Even if you don’t fit these categories, AD&D can still provide helpful benefits.
How do AD&D coverage and benefits vary?
AD&D coverage can differ from one plan to another. Factors that may vary include:
- Benefit amounts — How much money is paid for death or specific injuries
- Covered injuries — Some plans cover more types of injuries than others
- Exclusions — Certain accidents, like those caused by driving under the influence, may not be covered
It’s important to read your plan documents carefully so you know what’s included.
AD&D coverage can help you and your loved ones with sudden financial stress after a serious accident. When paired with other supplemental plans, like accident or life insurance, or even a high-deductible health insurance plan, it provides more benefits to help with out-of-pocket expenses.
Accident insurance is just one way to get benefits for out-of-pocket expenses. Explore other supplemental plans online or call 1-844-211-7730 to speak with a licensed insurance agent about your options.
For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare, and/or one of its affiliates, and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.
Sources:
- Risk & Insurance Education Alliance. "Lesson 3.3 Policy Exclusions of a Life Insurance Policy." Accessed December 1, 2025. Retrieved from https://www.riskeducation.org/learn/pluginfile.php/276871/mod_page/content/1/LHE%2013%20-%203.3%20Exclusions%20v2.pdf
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