Points to remember about dismemberment insurance

Dismemberment insurance, often paired with life insurance in a package known as accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, provides financial protection because of a severe accident. It offers peace of mind, knowing that if an accident leads to the loss of a limb, sight, speech or hearing, you or your beneficiaries will receive a payout to help manage the financial impact.

Coverage details vary based on the policy, but most dismemberment insurance covers specific injuries suffered in an accident. Understanding the extent of this coverage is crucial for assessing whether an AD&D policy aligns with your personal and financial risk management strategy.

Injuries covered under dismemberment insurance

Dismemberment insurance typically provides benefits for the accidental loss of physical abilities or body parts. This can include the loss of a limb, paralysis, loss of sight, speech or hearing. Some policies also cover the loss of fingers or toes.

It’s important to note that the insurance payout depends on the severity of the injury. Insurers usually use a benefit schedule specifying the payout percentage for different injuries. For instance, losing an arm might result in a 100% benefit, known as a full benefit, while losing a finger might only pay 50%.

Exceptions and exclusions

While dismemberment insurance offers crucial financial protection, it comes with certain exclusions. Most policies won’t pay out benefits for injuries resulting from self-harm, drug or alcohol use or participation in criminal activities. Certain risky activities, like skydiving or other extreme sports, might also be excluded.

Dismemberment insurance covers significant physical losses resulting from an accident. However, like all insurance policies, it’s important to fully understand your specific policy’s terms, conditions and exclusions. Having experienced legal guidance can help you get the benefits you should.