A question that you may have in your mind is whether health insurance covers accidental injuries. Let us understand the basics to answer this question. What is health insurance? In simple words, health insurance is a product from the insurance family which is meant to cover the expenses incurred on account of medical or surgical procedures by the policyholder.

So, by definition, health insurance covers medical and surgical expenses. And yes, it does cover injuries caused by accidents. All health insurance plans in India cover you for accidental injuries, regardless of what kind of accident you were in, be it at home, at work, a road accident or even something more serious like an accident of a public carrier.

All health insurance products will cover in–patient hospitalisation charges, post-hospitalisation expenses and ambulance charges. You may also be entitled to a daily hospitalisation cash allowance if your health insurance policy offers that benefit or if you have purchased it as an add–on rider.

Please note that although most health insurance policies have a compulsory waiting period of, usually 30 days, from the date you purchase your policy, in case of any injuries caused due to accidents, there is no waiting period. Health insurance features mandate that accidental injuries be covered from Day 1 itself.

There are different types of health insurance plans and policies available. While we are discussing the topic of accidental injuries and about health insurance, let us speak about personal accident insurance.

A personal accident plan compensates the policyholder, or the nominee in the policy, in case of disability or death of the policyholder due to an accident only. This is offered as a stand-alone plan or as an add–on the rider with health insurance policies and in both cases requires a separate premium to be paid.

Why should you buy Personal Accident Insurance?

An accident is sudden and unexpected. It may lead to disability or death. You should buy a personal accident insurance policy for the following reasons:

• Coverage for Accidental Death and Disability:
  An accident is not always a minor one. Major accidents have major consequences. The victim may face permanent total disability or may even die in the accident. In the event of the victim being the sole earning member of the family, permanent total disability or death may mean that the rest of the family will be facing tremendous pressure on the financial front. The family may find it difficult or may even fail to earn their livelihood.

A personal accident insurance policy will ensure a lump sum compensation to the nominee or the family of the policyholder in case of total permanent disability or death of the policyholder. The money received in the form of this compensation will allow the family of the policyholder to carry on their day–to–day life meeting the expenses involved. It will also help them tide over events involving major expenses such as the education or marriage of children or other family members.

• Hospitalisation Expenses Cover:
  You may purchase an add–on cover for the expenses of hospitalisation by a nominal addition to your premium. This however will cover your hospitalisation expenses arising out of an accident only.
• Worldwide Coverage:
  Your personal accident insurance covers you in case of your disability or death regardless of which country you are in in case you meet with an accident abroad.
• Terrorism Cover:
  You may purchase terrorism cover as an add–on rider along with your personal accident insurance policy. Subject to terms and conditions, this cover will take care of any medical expenses arising from you being the victim of a terrorist attack.

To Sum Up

While your health insurance does cover you for accidental injuries, it does not compensate you in case of death or disability as a result of an accident. It is always a good idea to go for a personal accident insurance policy, either as a separate purchase or as an add–on to your existing policy. Click here to opt for the healthcare plans from CarePal Secure.