Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage

Author: Melissa A.

Published: November 21st, 2023 | Updated: November 21st, 2023
Read time: 4 mins

While life-altering accidents resulting in death or dismemberment are rare when travelling, they can happen. Therefore, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage is wise to have when travelling by common air, land, or cruise ship carrier and if you will be participating in adventure tourism activities that are high risk. You can never be too prepared for those unexpected moments you can’t control.

What is accidental death and dismemberment travel insurance?

The Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit in travel insurance provides financial compensation in a lump sum to you, your beneficiary, or your estate if there is an unexpected accident-causing sustained injury to you, such as dismemberment (loss of limbs or irrecoverable loss of vision in at least one eye) or results in your death while you are travelling. Accidental death and dismemberment insurance while travelling excludes death resulting from illnesses and natural causes.

Does travel insurance cover accidental death?

In the event of your death while travelling due to a sudden and fatal accident, you can be covered if you have accidental death and dismemberment travel insurance coverage. AD&D coverage offers financial protection for your loved ones when your remains must be repatriated to your home country, local cremation, burial overseas, or if they need to travel to identify your body. Death resulting from a circumstance where you are responsible, for example, driving under the influence, is excluded, and a payout won’t be offered. Pre-existing conditions are also not valid under AD&D coverage. You will need a policy containing the pre-existing condition benefit to cover you.

Travel insurance with death cover is typically included in a trip cancellation and interruption plan or a travel medical health plan, and it can occasionally be purchased as an optional add-on, all of which you can buy through us at InsureMyTrip. When purchasing AD&D coverage as an add-on, it’s crucial that you name a beneficiary. For your loved ones to contact your insurance provider and make necessary arrangements upon your death, it’s critical that you bring a copy of your policy with you on your trip and leave a copy at home with a relative or close friend.

Does travel insurance cover dismemberment?

The accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) benefit in travel insurance does cover dismemberment when travelling, for example, permanent loss of limbs (leg, foot, arm, hand) or irrecoverable loss of eyesight in at least one eye. If this were to happen to you, AD&D coverage will provide you, the insured, with payment. AD&D coverage strictly covers accidents and will not offer a payout if you are responsible for the circumstances, for example, driving under the influence and getting into an accident causing your dismemberment.

Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to death in family?

Yes, travel insurance for accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) will cover trip cancellation under the trip cancellation and interruption benefit if there happens to be a covered emergency, such as the death of a travelling or non-travelling family member, that adversely affects your travel plans. Travel insurance purchased when you book your trip that includes the trip cancellation and interruption benefits will reimburse you for expenses if you need to cancel or delay your trip or your trip is interrupted part-way through. For example, non-refundable trip costs such as flights, accommodations, and any pre-booked tours will typically be covered.

Always carefully check the wording of a policy because there can be some exclusions you are not covered for in the event of a family death. The most common exclusions include if the deceased is not considered a family member. Every insurance provider and plan defines “family” differently, so it’s vital that you understand what family includes so you know whether you can make a claim. Another common exclusion is the death of a non-travelling family member that arises from pre-existing conditions. In this case, it is recommended to consider a policy containing the pre-existing condition benefit when you are making your travel plans.

Does accidental death insurance cover repatriation of remains?

Yes, accidental death travel insurance coverage offers financial protection for your loved ones when your remains must be repatriated to your home country, local cremation, or burial overseas. Your beneficiary will receive a payout as a lump sum so they can cover the costs and make necessary arrangements. The payout will go to your estate if you don’t designate a beneficiary or if there is no surviving beneficiary at the time of your death. Understand that your insurance provider may cover the expenses directly, or your beneficiary may be required to pay up-front and receive reimbursement later.