What is Personal Accident Health Insurance?
Personal Accident Health Insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides financial protection against injuries, disabilities, or death caused by accidents. It covers medical expenses, disability benefits, and compensation for accidental death.
Benefits of Personal Accident Health Insurance
- Accidental Death Cover: Provides a lump sum amount to nominee in case of accidental death.
- Permanent Total Disability: Compensation if the insured suffers a permanent disability due to accident.
- Permanent Partial Disability: Partial compensation for partial disabilities.
- Temporary Total Disability: Covers loss of income during temporary disability.
- Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for medical treatment arising out of an accident.
- Daily Hospital Allowance: Some plans provide daily allowance during hospitalization.
- Worldwide Coverage: Many plans cover accidents worldwide.
- Additional Benefits: May include ambulance charges, rehabilitation, and other support.
Risks of Personal Accident Health Insurance
- Limited Coverage: Does not cover illnesses, only accidents.
- Exclusions: Suicide, self-inflicted injuries, intoxication-related accidents, etc., are usually excluded.
- Claim Rejections: Claims may be rejected due to non-disclosure or policy violations.
- Limited Payouts: Sum insured may be inadequate for serious disabilities or deaths.
- Short-term policies: Often valid for one year, needing regular renewal.
Top 10 Personal Accident Health Insurance Plans in India (2025)
| Plan Name | Insurer | Sum Insured Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bajaj Allianz Personal Accident | Bajaj Allianz | ₹5L – ₹50L | Worldwide cover, disability benefits |
| ICICI Lombard Personal Accident | ICICI Lombard | ₹2L – ₹50L | Ambulance cover, daily hospital allowance |
| HDFC Ergo Personal Accident | HDFC Ergo | ₹1L – ₹50L | Permanent and partial disability cover |
| Max Bupa Personal Accident | Max Bupa | ₹1L – ₹25L | Lump sum payout, accidental death and disability |
| Tata AIG Personal Accident | Tata AIG | ₹2L – ₹50L | Worldwide cover, multiple payout options |
| Reliance General Personal Accident | Reliance General | ₹1L – ₹50L | Accident medical expenses, disability benefits |
| New India Assurance Personal Accident | New India Assurance | ₹5L – ₹50L | Government-backed, affordable premiums |
| SBI General Personal Accident | SBI General | ₹2L – ₹50L | Daily hospital cash, ambulance charges |
| Oriental Insurance Personal Accident | Oriental Insurance | ₹1L – ₹25L | Affordable, disability and death cover |
| Bharti AXA Personal Accident | Bharti AXA | ₹1L – ₹50L | Daily cash allowance, worldwide cover |
Comparison Table: Pros & Cons
| Plan Name | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bajaj Allianz | High sum insured options, worldwide cover | Slightly higher premium for high coverage |
| ICICI Lombard | Ambulance & daily hospital allowance | Limited add-on benefits |
| HDFC Ergo | Covers permanent & partial disability | No maternity or illness cover |
| Max Bupa | Lump sum payout, simple claim process | Limited sum insured range |
| Tata AIG | Multiple payout options, worldwide cover | Slightly complex policy wording |
| Reliance General | Covers accident medical expenses | Lesser sum insured in basic plans |
| New India Assurance | Government-backed, reliable | Basic features, fewer add-ons |
| SBI General | Includes daily hospital cash, ambulance | Limited sum insured in basic plans |
| Oriental Insurance | Affordable premiums, decent coverage | Fewer additional benefits |
| Bharti AXA | Daily cash allowance, worldwide cover | Moderate premiums |
FAQs about Personal Accident Health Insurance
Q1: Does personal accident insurance cover illness?
No, it covers only injuries or disabilities caused by accidents, not illnesses.
Q2: Can I buy personal accident insurance for my family?
Yes, many insurers offer family floater personal accident policies.
Q3: What is permanent total disability in this policy?
It means complete and permanent loss of ability to work or perform daily activities.
Q4: Is suicide or self-inflicted injury covered?
No, such cases are excluded from personal accident insurance.
Q5: How is the claim amount calculated?
Based on sum insured and severity of injury or disability as per policy terms.
Q6: Does personal accident insurance cover accidents while traveling abroad?
Many policies provide worldwide coverage; check specific terms.
Q7: Can I renew my personal accident policy online?
Yes, most insurers provide online renewal facilities.
Q8: Are pre-existing disabilities covered?
Generally, no; coverage is for new accidents only.
Q9: Can personal accident insurance be bought along with health insurance?
Yes, it can be a supplementary cover alongside health insurance.
Q10: How soon should I file a claim after an accident?
Usually, claims should be filed within a specified period (e.g., 30 days) after the accident.