Shopping for accident insurance brings up a lot of questions

—> Would an accident insurance plan save me money?
—> How much does accident insurance cost?
—> How much accident insurance do I need?
—> Are there restrictions on which doctors or hospitals I can use?
—> How can I compare accident insurance plans?
—> Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
—> How can I apply?

Would an accident insurance plan save me money?

Here’s what you need to consider:

Falls have been the leading cause of nonfatal injuries that required medical treatment in the U.S. every year, according to the Center for Disease Control’s National Health Interview Survey. Most falls didn’t happen on the job or on the ski slopes. They happened at home, and 71 percent of the injuries required a doctor’s care. Fifty-six percent sent people to the emergency room or required an ambulance.

For better or worse, falls aren’t the only cause of accidental injury in the home. Scalding from hot liquids has given the kitchen a reputation for being the most dangerous room in the home.

The problem with home accidents is they are not covered by auto insurance and with the mass movement toward high-deductible plans to keep premiums low, many health insurance plans leave you exposed to hundreds or thousands of out-of-pocket costs.

How much does accident health insurance cost?

We have partnered with Wholesale Benefits Association (WBA) to offer you inexpensive accident insurance for both individuals and families with three levels of coverage: $5,000, $7,500 and $10,000 per covered person, per accident.

In the unfortunate case of multiple accidents occurring within the coverage period, these are covered as separate events with a separate benefit, subject to a new deductible. There is a one-time application-processing fee of $10. Here’s a pricing breakdown:

How much personal accident insurance do I need?

Here are three main issues to consider when deciding how much insurance you need:

Do you have other coverage?

If you don’t have health insurance, personal accident insurance offers inexpensive coverage for some of the most common problems that require a doctor. If you do have health insurance, what is the deductible on your health insurance plan? With your current monthly income, consider how long it would take you to pay for medical debt until that deductible is met. Can you count on keeping that income level if you’re injured? Remember, you’ll also need to keep up with your regular monthly bills, such as food and utilities in spite of being injured.

Do you have savings?

When considering your savings, remember those funds may have to handle predictable emergencies, like needing a new furnace or a water heater. While it makes sense to reserve something extra for small, unexpected medical bills, you may really save more by spending a small amount on personal accident insurance. For just $264 a year, your accident insurance could send you a check for $4,900 (after your $100 deductible) to handle substantial medical debt without reducing your savings at all.

Are you or your family at high risk for accidents?

Have you already been to the doctor or the E.R. for accidental injuries? Think about how old your children are and what sports they play. (Note that some accident plans do not cover adults, 18 and older, for injuries in organized sports.)

What about you? Do you ski, do a lot of your own repair work or have a bad back? How often have you been to the doctor or the E.R. for an injury? Have you had to wait and see how bad your injury was instead of being checked out by a doctor because you didn’t have the protection of personal accident insurance?

Are there accident insurance restrictions on which doctors or hospitals I can use?

With our accident health insurance, you are free to select care from any doctor or hospital you prefer. There are no out-of-network hassles that are typical of health insurance plans. You may seek care at the best facilities and see specialists whenever you need.

How can I compare accident insurance plans?

Unlike health insurance, accident health insurance is pretty straightforward. There are no co-insurance or co-pay charges, and your deductible is $100.

Take a look at these provisions when comparing accident insurance plans:

—> Specific details of your coverage
—> Conditions that are excluded from coverage
—> How to file claims
—> How long you have to file a claim after an injury
—> Any extra benefits the plan offers, such as the Nurses Hotline.

Can I get an accident insurance refund if I change my mind?

If you decide to cancel your accident insurance, WBA will give you a full refund during the initial 30 days after either your application date or the effective date, whichever is later.

How can I apply for an accident insurance plan?

Applying is easy and secure with our fast online application process. Just tell us what state you live in, which plan you’d like, whether you wish to pay monthly or on another schedule, your preferred method of payment and provide a little bit of application information. Here’s how to apply step-by-step with WBA:

—> Just click our orange APPLY ONLINE button below
—> On the AccidentSHIELD page, click the state where you’d like accident insurance
—> On the next page, click APPLY NOW at the top right and select your options
—> Choose a method of payment and click the “Click Here To Apply” button at the bottom of the page
—> Enter your application information and click the Summarize Order button to review your choice

Note that the earliest effective date of your coverage is always the 1st of the month. If you enroll on the 1st of the month, your coverage will be dated for the 1st of this month. If you enroll on any other day, your coverage will be dated for the 1st of the next month.