If an Accident Stops You, Your Income Shouldn't Stop
Health insurance pays the hospital. Personal accident insurance pays you: a lump sum for death or disability, and weekly income while you recover. It costs very little and works anywhere in the world.
Who needs it most?
- Daily two-wheeler and car commuters
- Self-employed people with no paid sick leave
- Field staff, frequent travellers and sole earners
Benefits That Protect Your Family's Income
Benefits are paid as a percentage of the sum insured, as per the policy's benefit table.
Accidental Death
100% of the sum insured paid to the nominee if an accident results in death.
Permanent Total Disability
Up to 100% of the sum insured for disabilities such as loss of both limbs or both eyes.
Permanent Partial Disability
A defined percentage of the sum insured for loss of a finger, hearing or a single limb, as per the policy table.
Temporary Total Disability
Weekly income benefit while you are unable to work during recovery, for a limited number of weeks.
Accident Hospital Expenses
Reimbursement of medical costs from the accident, up to a limit (plan-wise).
Children's Education & More
Education benefit for children, home/vehicle modification and ambulance costs, depending on the plan.
PA Insurance vs Health vs Term
Each policy pays for something different. Together, they complete your protection.
| What happens | Personal Accident | Health Insurance | Term Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital bills after an accident | Up to a limit | ✓ | ✕ |
| Income while you can't work | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Lump sum for permanent disability | ✓ | ✕ | With rider |
| Death due to accident | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Death due to illness | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Medical tests to buy | Usually not needed | Depends on age | Often needed |
Choose the Right PA Plan
Individual PA
Cover for one person, with sum insured linked to income. Ideal for earning members.
Family PA
Cover for spouse and children in one policy, usually at a percentage of the main earner's cover.
Group PA
Accident cover for employees, often bought along with group health. See our business insurance page.
How Much Accident Cover Do You Need?
Insurers usually allow PA cover up to a multiple of your annual income. Here is a sensible starting point.
Indicative estimate, not a recommendation. Maximum cover allowed depends on the insurer, your income proof and occupation class. Weekly benefit shown is an approximation of typical plan terms.
6 Things to Check Before You Buy
- Cover linked to incomeChoose a sum insured that can replace several years of income, not a token amount.
- Disability benefit tableCompare what percentage each plan pays for different partial disabilities.
- Weekly income benefitCheck the weekly amount and the maximum number of weeks it is paid.
- Declare your occupationPremium depends on your work. A wrong occupation class can create problems at claim time.
- Don't rely only on free coversBank-account or card PA covers are usually small and stop when the account or card does.
- ExclusionsTypical ones: self-inflicted injury, intoxication, adventure sports, and war. Read them carefully.
Making a Personal Accident Claim
Inform the Insurer
Report the accident to the insurer (or us) as soon as possible, within the policy's time limit.
Police & Medical Records
FIR or police report for road accidents, hospital records, and a doctor's certificate of disability.
Claim Submission
Submit the claim form with documents. For death claims, add the death certificate and post-mortem report.
Payout
The benefit is paid as per the policy table to you or your nominee. We follow up throughout.
Get Personal Accident Cover Quotes
Share a few details and we'll compare accident plans with the right death, disability and income-loss benefits for your work.
- Side-by-side comparison from multiple insurers
- Help with proposal form, documents & inspections
- Renewal reminders and claim assistance
Personal Accident Questions, Answered
I already have health and term insurance. Why do I need PA?
Health insurance pays the hospital, and term insurance pays only on death. Neither replaces your income if an accident leaves you disabled or unable to work for months. Personal accident cover fills exactly that gap.
Is a medical test required?
Usually not, because premiums depend mainly on your occupation, not your health. Some insurers may ask questions for very high sums insured or older applicants.
Does it cover accidents abroad?
Most personal accident policies offer worldwide cover. Medical treatment abroad, however, may be limited, so take travel insurance for overseas trips.
Is the motor policy's owner-driver PA cover enough?
The compulsory owner-driver cover in motor insurance applies only to accidents involving that vehicle and is usually a small amount. A standalone PA policy covers accidents of all kinds, at home, at work or while travelling, for a much higher amount.
Can I claim under more than one PA policy?
Yes. Death and disability benefits are fixed benefits, so they are generally payable under each policy you hold, provided all policies were disclosed. Hospital expense reimbursement can't exceed the actual bills.
What is not covered?
Common exclusions include intentional self-injury, injuries under the influence of alcohol or drugs, participation in hazardous sports unless covered, criminal acts, war, and illness that is not caused by an accident.
Disclaimer: Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure / policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
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Calculators and information on this page are for general guidance only and do not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Premiums, features and eligibility vary by insurer and are subject to underwriting.