Everyone has a fear of incidents involving death that are capable of occurring at any moment. As such, it is important that you secure the right insurance policy to take care of your family and loved ones in case such an unfortunate event takes place.
There are two major types of insurance policies that you can secure. These are Accidental Death Insurance and Life Insurance.
So what is the difference between Accidental Death Insurance vs Life Insurance? Which is better?
In the rest of this article, we’ll discuss the differences between the two. That way, you can choose which type suits your needs.
Understanding Accidental Death Insurance
Accidental Death Insurance is a form of insurance that pays a benefit if you die due to an accident. This type of policy is usually one of the least expensive forms of insurance. It provides a set amount of coverage for a set period, such as 10 or 20 years.
The amount of coverage and premium will depend on the person’s age, health, and lifestyle. If a person gains weight, smokes, or engages in any other risky behavior, the premium may be adjusted. The policyholder will also need to provide information about their current health conditions to qualify for this insurance.
The beneficiary will receive the lump sum payout if the policyholder passes away as a result of an accident. Additionally, some policies may include more coverage for medical expenses related to the accident.
Understanding Life Insurance
Life Insurance is an important financial product that provides valuable protection for your family. The basics are easy to understand. You purchase a plan, provide information about your age, health, and lifestyle, and then you pay the premiums.
The insurance company, in turn, agrees to pay an agreed-upon amount of money to your beneficiaries. Also, it can provide a way to save money through cash value plans which allow you to build wealth over the long term.
There are also various types of Life Insurance to choose from. These two main categories are Term Life Insurance and Permanent Life Insurance.
Term Life Insurance
This type of insurance offers coverage for a specified period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. If you pass away during the term of the policy, your beneficiaries receive the death benefit. Term Life Insurance does not accumulate cash value and is generally considered one of the simple and more cheap insurance options.
Permanent Life Insurance
Unlike term Life Insurance, Permanent Life Insurance covers you for your entire lifetime. It includes a cash value component that grows over time, which you can borrow against or use for other financial needs. Also, it comes in various forms, including whole life and universal life, each with its features and benefits.
Accidental Death Insurance vs Life Insurance: Key Differences
Accidental Death Insurance and Life Insurance are both forms of coverage to provide financial security. While they sound similar, there are key differences, including:
Coverage Scope
With Life Insurance, the initial policy will pay out a predetermined death benefit to surviving beneficiaries. This type of policy provides financial wellness to a family if someone the household depends on passes away.
But, Accidental Death Insurance pays out a lump sum in the event of death as a result of an accident. This is often used as a supplement to Life Insurance. It may not cover all the costs associated with losing an unexpected life.
Lastly, accidental death coverage is usually revocable. It means it can be canceled at any point, while Life Insurance continues until the age of 95.
Payout
Another difference between the two is the payout that is received upon the death of the insured. Accidental Death Insurance pays out double the face amount of the policy in the event of accidental death. Life insurance pays a death benefit to the beneficiaries when the insured dies, but there is no double payout.
Accidental Death Insurance can provide more money in the event of accidental death. However, Life Insurance does not offer a double payout. The type and amount of the payout depends on the type of policy and the company offering it.
Premiums
Accidental Death Insurance generally has much lower premiums than Life Insurance. This would make sense as the cause of death is more focused on accidents rather than the natural progression of life.
Life Insurance premiums can seem more expensive as the person is typically older and the cause of death is unknown. With Accidental Death Insurance, the premium rate can be lower as the policy is more focused on one cause of death.
Additionally, it often covers a wider range of accidental activities, which can lead to the premiums being even lower. Premiums can be a significant factor in the basics between the two policies and can help decide to invest in one or the other.
Versatility
One of the key differences between the two is the amount of versatility they offer. Accidental Death Insurance is specific to accidental death and pays a beneficiary in the event of accidental death.
But, Life Insurance pays a beneficiary when the insured dies, regardless of the cause. This means that life insurance could pay out for an accidental death, a natural death, or suicide.
Life Insurance allows the insured to tailor the policy toward their specific needs. It includes coverage for long-term care, disability insurance, and other types of coverage, such as return of premium options. Also, it is more versatile and tailored to a wider variety of needs than Accidental Death Insurance.
Duration
Life Insurance provides comprehensive coverage, including death due to old age, up to the term of the policy. This term can often last until the insured passes away or reaches a set age, like 90 or 95.
Accidental Death Insurance, however, only provides limited protection, covering the unexpected death of the insured due to an accident, regardless of age. The duration is one lump-sum payment if the insured passes away.
Also, if it is permanently disabled due to an accident within the policy’s specified period. That makes it a much more limited form of insurance compared to Life Insurance.
Explore and Discover the Nature of Insurance
Overall, Accidental Death Insurance vs Life Insurance both offer important financial protection for people and their families, but they are by no means identical.
Understanding the differences can be the difference between peace of mind and financial catastrophe. Speak to a certified insurance professional to discover which types of coverage best suit your particular needs.
If you’re interested in expanding your knowledge, we encourage you to browse through our additional content to further your understanding.
