What does accident insurance cover? Most plans pay cash for injuries like broken bones, burns, and concussions. They also pay for ER visits, ambulance rides, and follow-up care. Plans start near $7 a month in some quotes. However, they never cover illness, so they work best alongside a health plan.
- Accident insurance pays cash for covered injuries and the care that follows.
- Common benefits include ER visits, fractures, dislocations, burns, and ambulance rides.
- Illness is never covered, and care often must happen within set time limits.
- Some plans pay fixed amounts, while others reimburse expenses after a deductible.
- Plans can start near $7 a month for an adult.
What Does Accident Insurance Cover? The Short Answer
Accident insurance covers injuries from sudden, unexpected events. For example, that includes falls, sports injuries, car accidents, and burns. Then the plan pays you cash, and you choose how to use it.
According to UnitedHealthcare, these plans pay a stated amount no matter what the care costs. So the payout does not depend on your bill. See plans on our accident insurance page.
Injuries and Care Most Plans Cover
Below, you can see common benefits, with real amounts from two carriers.
| Benefit | UnitedHealthcare AccidentWise | ManhattanLife PAID Enhanced |
|---|---|---|
| ER visit | $1,000 to $2,000 | $1,500 within 72 hours |
| Urgent care | $200 to $400 | Covered |
| Hospital admission | Covered by plan level | Covered, plus ICU |
| Ground ambulance | Covered | $500 or $1,000 |
| Dislocations | Covered | $250 to $20,000 by joint |
| Burns | Covered | Up to $10,000 or $20,000 |
| MRI, CT, or EEG | $1,000 to $2,000 | Major diagnostic exams covered |
| Follow-up or therapy | $100 to $200 a visit, up to 5 | Physical therapy and chiropractor visits |
| Accidental death | Plan level amount | $25,000 or $50,000 for the insured |
Of course, amounts depend on the plan level you pick and your state. Want a full schedule? Then call 888-730-6031.
What Accident Insurance Does Not Cover
However, accident plans have clear limits. Generally, they do not pay for:
- Illness of any kind. For that, look at hospital indemnity or critical illness plans.
- Self-inflicted injuries. These are excluded on nearly every plan.
- Injuries tied to illegal acts or intoxication, on many plans.
- Some high-risk activities, such as certain aviation or racing.
- Care outside time limits. Many plans require ER care within 72 hours and other care within 30 days.
Get care quickly after an accident and save every bill. Late care is the most common reason a claim pays less than expected.
Fixed-Benefit vs. Expense Accident Plans
Generally, accident plans pay in two ways. First, fixed-benefit plans pay a set amount for each covered service, no matter the bill. For instance, UnitedHealthcare AccidentWise works this way.
By contrast, expense plans reimburse your actual accident costs after a deductible. For example, UnitedHealthcare Accident ProGap pays up to $2,500 or $5,000 a year after a $250 deductible. In short, both types can work well. So your choice depends on whether you want simple cash or bill reimbursement.
A licensed Vivna agent can compare fixed-benefit and expense accident plans for you.
24-Hour vs. Off-the-Job Coverage
Some plans let you choose when coverage applies. For example, a 24-hour plan covers accidents at work and at home. Meanwhile, an off-the-job plan only covers accidents away from work, and it usually costs less.
For example, ManhattanLife PAID Enhanced offers both options for ages 18 to 84. If workers' compensation already covers you on the job, off-the-job coverage may be enough.
How Much Does Accident Insurance Cost?
Here are prices from a recent quote for a 48-year-old in Broward County, Florida.
| Plan | Monthly premium | Key benefit |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare Accident ProGap | About $7.35 | $2,500 accident benefit after a $250 deductible |
| UnitedHealthcare Accident ProGuard GI | About $8.60 | $5,000 benefit, no health questions |
| Aflac accident, Standard | About $28.56 | $2,000 initial hospitalization benefit |
| Aflac accident, Elite | About $42.01 | Higher treatment benefits |
As you can see, the cheapest plans reimburse expenses, while fixed-benefit plans cost more but pay set amounts. Naturally, adding a spouse or children raises the price. Still, accident plans are among the cheapest supplemental options. For families with kids in sports, see child supplemental insurance coverage.
Before you buy, compare the monthly cost with one likely claim. For instance, one ER visit for a broken wrist could repay a year of premiums. That is why active families often see accident insurance as cheap peace of mind.
How to File an Accident Insurance Claim
Accident claims move faster when you have the right papers. Therefore, start saving records on the day of the injury.
- Get care within the time limit. Many plans need ER care within 72 hours.
- Save every bill and report. Keep ER bills, X-ray reports, and follow-up notes.
- File one claim per accident. Then add new bills as treatment continues.
- Get paid directly. Most carriers pay by direct deposit once the claim is approved.
Expense plans may also ask for your health plan's explanation of benefits. That is because they pay what is left after your deductible. Meanwhile, fixed-benefit plans only need proof of the injury and the care you received.
For timing, read how long health insurance claims take. Or call 888-730-6031 and an agent will walk you through it.
Accident Insurance vs. Health Insurance
Health insurance pays your doctors and hospitals for both illness and injury. By contrast, accident insurance pays you cash for injuries only. In other words, one covers the bill and the other covers your share of it.
That is why the two work best together. For example, a broken arm might trigger your health plan deductible. At the same time, an accident plan could pay you hundreds of dollars toward that same deductible.
Who Should Get Accident Insurance?
- Families with active kids. Sports injuries are common and costly.
- People on high-deductible or short-term plans. Read about gap health insurance.
- Workers in physical jobs. Off-the-job coverage fills gaps workers' comp leaves.
- Anyone without savings for a surprise ER bill.
For an overview of cash-benefit plans, read our guide to supplemental coverage options. Questions? Call 888-730-6031.
Still deciding between plan types? Read accident vs critical illness insurance for a side-by-side comparison.
Protecting young athletes? Read sports accident insurance. Comparing brands? See Aflac accident insurance.
What Does Accident Insurance Cover: FAQs
Does accident insurance cover sports injuries?
Usually, yes, for common sports. However, some high-risk sports may be excluded.
Does accident insurance cover car accidents?
Yes. Generally, plans pay for covered injuries from car accidents, in addition to auto insurance.
Is there a waiting period?
Most accident benefits start on your effective date. Wellness riders may wait 30 days.
Can I cover my kids?
Yes. Most plans offer family coverage, and some cover children under 26.
Does accident insurance cover concussions?
Many plans do. For example, ManhattanLife PAID Enhanced pays $100 or $200 for a diagnosed concussion.
Can I use accident insurance with workers' comp?
Yes, with a 24-hour plan. In that case, it pays in addition to workers' compensation.
Compare accident plans with a licensed agent. Call Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm.
Next Steps: What Does Accident Insurance Cover for You?
What does accident insurance cover for your family? It depends on the plan type and level you choose. So start with your deductible and how active your household is.
Ready to compare? Call a licensed Vivna agent at 888-730-6031, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. You can also read the UnitedHealthcare accident FAQs.
Sources
Supplemental plans such as hospital indemnity, accident, critical illness, and cancer insurance are limited benefit policies. They are not major medical coverage and are not minimum essential coverage. Benefits, exclusions, prices, and availability vary by plan and state. Vivna Insurance is a licensed, independent agency (NPN 19168641).
Related guides
Find Local Health Insurance Help
Plans, prices and help programs change by state and even by county. These local guides show what is available near you.
More local help: the Georgia health insurance guide, plus guides for Florida, Texas, North Carolina and every state we serve.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 888-730-6031 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, for free help from a licensed agent.
