Voluntary Benefits
Published by Trustmark Voluntary Benefits on May 18th, 2021
Spring is here, which means more of us are ready to get outside and get active. While outdoor activities are great, they can also present more opportunities for accidents. So before you go sliding into third base or book that mountain biking trip, we want to help clarify some of the more frequently asked questions about voluntary accident insurance.
1. How does accident insurance affect my major medical coverage?
If you’re enrolled in accident insurance as a voluntary benefit, that means that it is separate from your health insurance coverage. Unlike your medical insurance, when you file a claim, it pays YOU cash directly, not your healthcare provider. This way, you can use that extra cash to pay any medical bills not covered by your health insurance…or anything else you might need!
2. Does accident insurance cover accidents that occur during the workday or at work?
Accident insurance isn’t worker’s compensation, but some employers offer accident coverage in addition to their worker’s compensation program.
Many employers offer off-the-job (“non-occupational”) coverage, which covers accidents outside of work, as well as accidents that happen at your work location but that aren’t caused by the actual duties of your job. Other workplaces offer 24-hour coverage, which covers accidents even if they occur at your workplace. Ask your benefits representative or an enroller to find out which plan you’re being offered.
3. Does accident insurance JUST cover accidents?
It depends on your accident plan. Some carriers offer additional coverage that pays you a benefit when you receive a covered health screening. This might appeal to you if your health coverage doesn’t cover all those costs or you’re the type who regularly gets their health checked. Be sure to ask your employer or insurance carrier about your options.
4. Are there any types of accident or injuries that accident insurance DOESN’T cover?
Again, this may vary by policy, but generally, insurance companies have a list of more dangerous activities that may disqualify you from receiving benefits. Since insurance policies are based on risk from both the consumer and provider side, putting yourself at a high risk of being injured may prevent you from receiving coverage. Here are a few common examples:
1. How does accident insurance affect my major medical coverage?
If you’re enrolled in accident insurance as a voluntary benefit, that means that it is separate from your health insurance coverage. Unlike your medical insurance, when you file a claim, it pays YOU cash directly, not your healthcare provider. This way, you can use that extra cash to pay any medical bills not covered by your health insurance…or anything else you might need!
2. Does accident insurance cover accidents that occur during the workday or at work?
Accident insurance isn’t worker’s compensation, but some employers offer accident coverage in addition to their worker’s compensation program.
Many employers offer off-the-job (“non-occupational”) coverage, which covers accidents outside of work, as well as accidents that happen at your work location but that aren’t caused by the actual duties of your job. Other workplaces offer 24-hour coverage, which covers accidents even if they occur at your workplace. Ask your benefits representative or an enroller to find out which plan you’re being offered.
3. Does accident insurance JUST cover accidents?
It depends on your accident plan. Some carriers offer additional coverage that pays you a benefit when you receive a covered health screening. This might appeal to you if your health coverage doesn’t cover all those costs or you’re the type who regularly gets their health checked. Be sure to ask your employer or insurance carrier about your options.
4. Are there any types of accident or injuries that accident insurance DOESN’T cover?
Again, this may vary by policy, but generally, insurance companies have a list of more dangerous activities that may disqualify you from receiving benefits. Since insurance policies are based on risk from both the consumer and provider side, putting yourself at a high risk of being injured may prevent you from receiving coverage. Here are a few common examples:
- Armed conflict
- Riding or driving a motor vehicle in a race, stunt show or speed test
- Jumping or falling from an aircraft
- Hang-gliding, bungee jumping, parachuting, parakiting, parasailing, sail gliding
- Semi-professional or professional competitive athletic contest
- Illegal activity
Share
Author
Written by Trustmark Voluntary Benefits
We provide innovative voluntary benefits that help our policyholders achieve greater financial security and protect what they care about most. You care. We listen.
Topics