What is difference between Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage?

I'm a new government hand and am signing up for benefits.

I'm purchasing some optional benefits but don't understand why I'm one offered supplemental life insurance and AD and D coverage. (standard/basic life insurance is automatic)

Why own both life insurance and coverage for accidental death---isn't this redundant? Which is better?

Also, if I suffer a dismemberment beneath the AD & D coverage the medical costs of this would be covered by my health insurance so why get it? The types of dismemberments that are coverable underneath AD & D---the injuries would be very unlikely I think. Under AD and D I focus the dismemberment has to be trauma related like vehicle wreck, getting run over by train, etc. and not due to diabetic complications, etc.


Which is better for me to purchase for my family----1) additional life insurance lying on our basic mandatory coverage 2) or AD & D?

Coverage would be provided by The Standard.

Thanks much!
Answers:
Accidental departure, is if you get killed by catastrophe - not natural causes or considered murder/suicide. I think the AD&D is a waste. It's usually a immensely low value amount.

Yes, your health insurance would cover medical costs - but NOT any cost to modify your house to get it accessable or usable to you - - example, adding a chair hoist to your stairs, or a wheelchair ramp.

If you're choosing ONE to purchase, buy the additional life insurance.
Let's say-so, for example, the covered person has a heart attack and dies. This is covered by energy insurance, but it is not an accident, so it is not covered by AD&D. If a person is hit by a bus and dies, explicitly an accident, and covered by both.

It's hard to vote which is best for you and your family without knowing your circumstances.
If you do not have a problem of funds than you should travel for both these coverages since in a group these coverages are always especially cheap. However, if you have a constraint of money go fro the optional life insurance rather than AD &D since this would cover for both inadvertent as well as for normal circumstances. Source(s): Underwriter
Also filch into consideration if you have any medical conditions that may make you carry refused for supplemental life insurance. Usually getting supplemental involves a statement of vigour form, and they can deny you the supplemental coverage. In that case, I would definitely procure the AD&D insurance.


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