As per the 'Global Status Report on Road Safety' by the World Health Organization, the number of deaths due to road traffic accidents dropped worldwide annually by 5%. However, the numbers are rising in India. Similarly, another report on 'Road Accidents in India 2022' stated that the number of deaths in India due to road accidents rose to 1,53,792 in 2021.
These statistics are enough to leave you confused about the category of health insurance to be purchased. Questions like,
'Will my health plan cover accidental injuries?' 'Is my accident insurance enough for me?' are some of the most common ones.
Health insurance and personal accident insurance are two sides of the same coin. Personal accident insurance and health insurance both aid you financially during distress. While health insurance serves a broader agenda by providing comprehensive coverage, a personal accident plan covers you for a specific purpose.
The difference between health and personal accident insurance is subtle. If you are confused about which one to purchase in particular, you have come to the right place. This is a comprehensive guide on health insurance vs accident insurance plans.
Keep reading to find its key features and explore what makes them different.
P.S - Read till the end to find out the best health insurance and personal accident insurance plans in the market
Let us understand what health insurance and personal accident insurance are:
Health insurance plans are affordable solutions that help you cover medical care expenses. Investing in the best health insurance plan offers you coverage against the cost of hospitalization, surgeries, critical illnesses, diagnostics, doctor consultations, pharmacy, etc.
A health insurance plan is flexible and versatile when it comes to customization, you can customize the sum insured, additional riders, deductibles, co-payments, and more in your health insurance. It provides comprehensive coverage.
An accident can happen to anyone at any time. Many times accidents lead to serious physical disabilities and even deaths. With consistently increasing medical care expenses an accident can cause serious financial burdens.
Personal accident health insurance covers you for injuries, disabilities, and treatments required in case you meet with an accident. If you are someone who works in a high-risk environment (e.g. factories, mines, etc.) or drives a two-wheeler you must invest in personal accident health insurance.
Here is a look at the key differentiating factors between a health insurance and personal accident health insurance plan.
Key Differentiators | Personal Accident Insurance | Health Insurance |
---|---|---|
Premium Price | The premiums are less than health insurance plans | Offers wider scope of coverage making premiums slightly expensive as compared to personal accident insurance |
Availability | Available as an add-on and standalone health plan | Available as standalone insurance plan |
Tax Benefits | Available under section 80D | Available under section 80D |
Pre-existing Diseases Cover | Not Available | Covered after a waiting period |
Maternity Expenses | Not Covered | Covered after a waiting period |
Critical Illnesses | Not Covered | Covered after a waiting period or available as an add-on/rider |
Accidental Death | Covered | May or may not be covered |
We have rounded up a list of the best health and personal accident insurance for your benefit:
Health Insurance | Sum Insured | Personal Accident Insurance | Sum Insured |
---|---|---|---|
Star Comprehensive Health Plan | 5 L - 1 Cr | Star Accident Care Individual Policy | Minimum: INR 1 L |
Care Supreme | 7 L - 1 Cr | CareSecure - Personal Accident Insurance | 10 L - 50 L |
Niva Bupa Aspire | 3 L - 1 Cr | Niva Bupa Personal Accident Insurance | 5 L - 2 Cr |
ManipalCigna ProHealth Prime | 3 L - 1 Cr | ManipalCigna Accident Shield | 5 L - 25 Cr |
Aditya Birla Activ One Nxt | 5 L - 2 Cr | Aditya Birla Activ Secure Personal Accident Insurance | 1 L - 20 Cr |
A medical emergency can strike anyone at any time. Unfortunately, some of them leave a lasting impact than others. While we all hope for a quick recovery, hospitalization of any kind is a financial and emotional burden on the patients and their family members.
There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to selecting between accident insurance vs. health insurance. You must evaluate your needs, working conditions, medical history and lifestyle habits when selecting an ideal health insurance. A health insurance plan offers comprehensive coverage whereas a personal accident health plan is purpose-centric.
For further information on accidental and personal health insurance, connect with insurance experts at PolicyX.
If you have a health insurance plan offering an adequate sum insured or have the option to add a personal accident cover with your base policy you can avail of accident cover at a minimal premium price.
No, personal accident health insurance only covers injuries, disabilities, or death caused due to accidents. For maternity expenses look for the best maternity health insurance plans.
Yes, personal accident health insurance covers accidental death. The health insurance pays the family members with a lump sum amount in case of accidental death.
A health insurance plan will offer multiple coverage such as hospitalization, AYUSH treatments, daycare procedures, etc. However, a personal accident health plan can be added as an add-on/rider in your base policy as well as be purchased as a standalone health insurance protecting you from injuries, or death caused by accident.
Both personal accident and health insurance plans are eligible for tax benefits under section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
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Simran is an insurance expert with more than 4 years of experience in the industry. An expert with previous experience in BFSI, Ed-tech, and insurance, she proactively helps her readers stay on par with all the latest Insurance industry developments.
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