What does accidental death and dismemberment life insurance cover

If you’re here to learn more about accidental death and dismemberment insurance, we’ve got you covered.

What is accidental death & dismemberment insurance?

Accidental death and dismemberment (or, AD&D*) insurance is a type of insurance that pays out when you either die or are injured (in the form of dismemberment—losing limbs or fingers) in a covered accident of some kind. It’s not life insurance, since it doesn’t cover you for anything natural, only accidents, and it also covers injuries, not just death.

For example: if you're driving down the highway and unintentionally veer in front of an oil truck, your beneficiary may receive compensation for your accidental death. But if it's determined you had a heart attack while you were driving and that's what caused you to veer in front of the truck, your beneficiary may not receive a check. 

Why do I need it?

If you already have life and health insurance, you’re probably wondering why you’d need something like AD&D. Sure, if you have to go to the hospital for an injury, your health insurance will likely pay for that, but what about all the time spent in recovery? AD&D gives you funds you could use for any reason, including things like groceries or gas money while you’re not making a paycheck. It’s a nice thing to have when your regular income isn’t available. 

In the case of death, your loved ones could use that money to help make up any loss of income.

How do I get it?

Some insurance companies offer it as a rider, or add-on, to your life insurance policy. You might also find AD&D insurance in your employee benefits package at your job. Other companies might offer it as its own policy, separate from life insurance.

If you decide to shop around for AD&D insurance, be sure to weigh the benefits of each product. Some policies might cover only specific kinds of dismemberment. Some might have very specific limitations on what an “accident” is. Make sure you know what kind of coverage you and your loved ones need before committing to a policy.


Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance pays a lump sum if an employee dies or loses a limb in a covered accident that could not be prevented. Deaths due to prior medical conditions are not covered under this type of policy.

Unlike Workers’ Compensation, which covers only work-related accidents, AD&D insurance applies wherever covered accidents happen, such as at home or on the road. Along with life, disability and critical illness benefits, AD&D insurance can help round out a comprehensive benefits package. Access to a full range of protection solutions can help attract and retain top employees.

What Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Covers

AD&D insurance policies provide benefits for covered accidents that result in fatality, paralysis, the loss of a limb, eyesight, hearing, speech and more. An AD&D plan may include coverage for employees only or employees and dependents and typically provides 24-hour coverage no matter where a covered accident occurs, whether at work, home or away for:

  • Loss of life
  • Loss of speech
  • Loss of hearing
  • Loss of a hand, foot or sight
  • Loss of thumb and index finger on either hand
  • Loss of movement

AD&D coverage from The Hartford offers flexible options:

  • Benefits are payable for losses which occur within 365 days of the covered accident.
  • Plans are available on an employer-paid, voluntary and standalone basis.

Choose from a variety of options, including high coverage limits with no medical underwriting necessary.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Is Flexible

In addition to our standard AD&D plan, there are enhanced and premium plan designs and services that can be customized to best suit the specific needs of each company.

The following optional benefits are also available with our AD&D Insurance:

  • Accelerated Death Benefit
  • Accident Hospital Income
  • Adaptive Home and Vehicle Benefit
  • Anti-Inflation Benefit
  • Bereavement Counseling Benefit
  • Child Education Benefit
  • Coma Benefit
  • Common Disaster Benefit
  • Critical Burn Benefit
  • Day Care Benefit
  • Funeral Expense Benefit
  • HIV Occupational Accident Benefit
  • Loss of Use Benefit
  • Newborn Coverage
  • Newlywed Coverage
  • Paralysis Benefit
  • Permanent Total Disability
  • Rehabilitation Benefit

Get the facts about AD&D plans from The Hartford’s Employee Choice Benefits.SM

5759u NS 06/22

Accident Form Series includes GBD-1000, GBD-1300, or state equivalent.

1 Services are offered through vendors which are not affiliated with The Hartford and these services are not insurance. The Hartford is not responsible and assumes no liability for the goods and services described in this material and reserves the right to discontinue any of these services at any time. Services may vary and may not be available in all states. Visit https://www.thehartford.com/employee-benefits/value-added-services

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG) operates through its subsidiaries, including Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company under the brand name, The Hartford,® and is headquartered at One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. For additional details, please read The Hartford’s legal notice at www.thehartford.com. All benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. Policies underwritten by the underwriting company listed above detail exclusions, limitations, reduction of benefits and terms under which the policies may be continued in force or discontinued.

What is covered under accidental death and dismemberment insurance?

What is AD&D insurance? Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance is a category of life insurance that only pays out a benefit when the insured is in a covered accident that causes death or specific serious injuries such as the loss of a limb, paralysis, or blindness.

What does accidental death and dismemberment not cover?

AD&D insurance will cover only deaths and injuries from accidents—not natural causes or illnesses. Not heart attacks or strokes. Policies typically cover death or injuries from accidents at work, home and while traveling.

What qualifies as accidental death?

What Is Considered Accidental Death? Insurance companies define accidental death as an event that strictly occurs as a result of an accident. Deaths from car crashes, slips, choking, drowning, machinery, and any other situations that can't be controlled are deemed accidental.

Is it worth it to get accidental death and dismemberment insurance?

An AD&D policy may be a good idea, especially if you work in a high-risk job. People with riskier jobs pay higher premiums than people with low-risk employment. Supplemental AD&D coverage could be a wise investment regardless, but understand that AD&D doesn't cover you for any type of death or dismemberment.