All employers must take steps to protect their employees’ health, safety and wellness. For universities and colleges, athletic coaches, trainers and other staff may all face various risks that could put them at risk of severe and even fatal injuries. With that in mind, it’s necessary for those overseeing athletic programs to understand the benefits of staff accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
What Is AD&D Insurance? 
As its name suggests, AD&D insurance focuses on protecting insureds from the potential financial ramifications of incidents that have significant health consequences. This coverage may often be added as a rider to health or life insurance policies. For employers, AD&D insurance provides additional protection for employees beyond standard workers’ compensation policies. While the latter can provide financial assistance in response to a work-related incident, the former may help with a wider range of injuries, such as those that may occur at home or while traveling.
What Does AD&D Insurance Cover?
AD&D coverage generally focuses on providing financial assistance and compensation to employees or their families following death, paralysis, loss of speech, hearing or eyesight, or dismemberment. The emotional and physical toll of such significant injuries put victims and their families in difficult situations, but adequate AD&D insurance can help them manage the financial ramifications.
Although specific details of this type of coverage can vary, policies may generally be triggered in response to the following:
- Traffic accidents
- Incidents involving heavy machinery
- Falls
- Exposure to the elements
- Homicide
- Drowning
AD&D policies can often be complicated, and coverage may include stringent limitations regarding covered events. With that in mind, it’s necessary for colleges, universities and all employers to understand their coverage fully.
Get the Best Coverage
Although death and dismemberment may not be top of mind for those involved in college athletics programs, certain risks and perils make AD&D coverage an advisable investment. As coaches, staff and trainers work with athletes, they may put their own bodies in harm’s way, experiencing injuries that could affect their long-term health. Furthermore, these employees are often tasked with traveling for recruitment, competing or attending other events.
With this in mind, universities, colleges and other institutions operating sports programs should explore their AD&D insurance options. With over 40 years of experience assessing and addressing the coverage needs of sports programs across all 50 states, the staff at Bene-Marc Inc. are ready to help. Visit our website or call 800-247-1734 to get started today.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.