What is personal accident insurance?
Personal accident insurance provides financial protection in the event of accidental death, permanent disability, or temporary incapacity resulting from a sudden, unexpected accident. Unlike life insurance, it covers only accident-caused events — illness, natural death, and chronic conditions fall outside its scope.
Personal accident insurance is especially valuable for those with limited social security coverage or who work in physically demanding roles — trades, construction, transport, and freelancers who rely entirely on their own earning capacity.
Should I combine it with life insurance? Yes — the two complement each other. Life insurance covers both accidental and illness-related death, and may include a savings component. Personal accident insurance targets accident risk at a lower premium. Together they provide the most complete individual protection.
Coverage
Core benefits
Accidental death
The sum insured is paid to the named beneficiary (typically spouse or children) in the event of death caused by an accident.
Permanent total disability
Full sum insured paid if an accident results in complete and permanent loss of working capacity.
Permanent partial disability
Compensation proportional to the degree of disability assessed by a medical board.
Optional add-ons
Medical expenses
Hospital, surgery, and rehabilitation costs arising from an accident.
Temporary total disability
Daily benefit during the recovery period when the insured cannot work.
Road traffic accident enhancement
Increased limit for accidents occurring inside a motor vehicle — available as an add-on in some policies.
Accident only: Personal accident insurance does not cover death or disability caused by illness. That risk requires life insurance. We recommend evaluating both together.
Occupation class: Premiums are classified by occupation. Higher-risk occupations pay higher premiums and may face different underwriting terms. As an independent broker, we compare across multiple insurers to find the best fit for your occupation.
Exclusions
Note: The following are typically excluded from standard policies. Always read the policy wording carefully.
- Illness or natural death — these require life insurance
- Intentional self-harm or suicide attempt
- War or terrorism (some policies)
- Accidents caused under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Adventure sports without a specific add-on
- Accidents outside the insured's registered occupation category
Who is it for?
- Self-employed and trades people: Those with limited SGK work-accident compensation.
- Construction, transport, and agricultural workers: Higher physical risk occupations.
- Vehicle owners and long-distance drivers: Additional protection against traffic accident consequences.
- Sports and active lifestyle enthusiasts: Outdoor sports, motorsports, and high-activity pursuits.