Life insurance provides financial security to a policyholder's family whether the policyholder dies in an accident or from illness. In contrast, AD&D insurance offers coverage only for accident-related deaths and injuries. Based on a comparison of life insurance versus AD&D insurance, life insurance would be a better option since it covers a wider range of risks.
Life Insurance versus AD&D Insurance: A Brief Overview
Let’s talk about the basics first: What is the difference between life insurance and AD&D insurance, and which one is best for you?
A life insurance policy provides more coverage in terms of covering risks than accidental death and dismemberment insurance. On the other hand, AD&D has limited coverage that does not cover deaths caused by natural causes, like aging, illness, disability, or suicide. Exactly as its name implies, accidental death and dismemberment insurance protects you only in case of accidental death or injury.
As we break down the key differences between life insurance versus AD&D, let’s take a closer look at them separately!
Life insurance
Life insurance provides your beneficiaries with financial security after your death. To keep your policy active, you pay premiums, and your beneficiaries receive the death benefit.
Life insurance mainly consists of two types:
- Term life insurance: Lasts for a specified timeframe, usually between 5-30 years.
- Permanent life insurance: Lasts for a lifetime as long as premiums are paid. In addition to a death benefit, it also accrues cash value. A permanent policy is further subdivided into two categories:
Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
An AD&D policy ensures financial security for your beneficiaries in case of your accidental death. However, it doesn’t cover death caused by natural causes, such as aging or illness. The insurer will also pay a portion of the benefits if the policyholder suffers an accidental injury that results in the loss of a limb, hearing, or sight. Your policy clearly outlines the benefits you’ll receive for each type of injury. According to the terms of this policy, a death benefit can only be claimed if sufficient proof is supplied that the death was accidental.
Life Insurance versus AD&D Comparison
Both life insurance and AD&D insurance will pay out a death benefit to your family, which your family can use to pay funeral expenses, mortgages, college tuition, and so on. However, based on the risks covered, life insurance may be a better option. If anyone wants comprehensive protection, adding an AD&D rider to your life insurance policy is better than purchasing it separately.
Here’s a quick comparison of life insurance versus AD&D to help you better understand the difference between these two types of insurance:
| Coverage | Life Insurance | AD&D |
| Death due to illness or aging? | Yes | No |
| Death from an accident (car or plane crash)? | Yes | Yes |
| Death from a drug overdose? | Yes | No |
| Death by suicide? | Yes | No |
| Loss of eyesight, or hearing? | No | Yes |
| Loss of limb (leg, foot, arm, hand, fingers)? | No | Yes |
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Riders
Accidental death and dismemberment riders are optional benefits that can sometimes be added to a life insurance policy to make the coverage more comprehensive. A life insurance company will double your original death benefit if you die in an accident covered by an AD&D rider. Suppose that you have a $100,000 life insurance policy with an AD&D rider, and in the event of your death from an accident, your beneficiaries would receive $200,000 from your insurer.
Moreover, if you are injured and lose a limb (leg, foot, arm, hand, fingers), or even your eyesight or hearing due to an accident, the AD&D rider provides you with benefits while you are alive. Be sure to ask your insurance agent to explain all the terms and conditions of the AD&D rider to understand what you are getting!
Life Insurance versus AD&D FAQs
Is AD&D the same as life insurance?
A standard life insurance policy is much different from an accidental death and dismemberment policy. Life insurance covers all types of risks, while accidental death and dismemberment coverage is limited to accidental deaths and injuries.
Is AD&D insurance worth it?
AD&D insurance isn’t worth it if you’re close to retirement age or don’t have much saved for your final expenses. AD&D insurance only pays out a death benefit to your beneficiaries if you die or get injured in a covered accident, such as a plane crash or car accident. Even so, the likelihood of dying from an illness is higher than from an accident.
Do I need both life insurance and AD&D?
Generally, AD&D coverage would not be necessary for those with adequate life insurance. When comparing life insurance versus AD&D insurance, AD&D’s coverage is more limited when it comes to covering death causes. AD&D policies complement life insurance only to the extent that they provide partial coverage for non-death injuries sustained in accidents, such as loss of limbs or sight, etc.
Is the AD&D rider worth considering?
AD&D is worth considering if you owe a lot of debt that could be passed on to your family. In such a case, adding an AD&D rider is a cost-effective way to increase your life insurance coverage and give your family the protection they deserve!