What Makes “Quality” Accident Cover? Death, Disability, Dismemberment, Burns and Riot Cover

After the February 2013 Egypt hot-air-balloon blast killed nine Hongkongers and a North Point restaurant lift plunge seriously injured seven, whether accident insurance actually pays became a hot topic. A comprehensive accident policy must cover far more than accidental death — permanent total disablement, scheduled dismemberment benefits, third-degree burns and riot cover (RCC) are all essential.

Why might the balloon tragedy not be covered?

Because most accident policies exclude “aerial flight”. Exclusions typically bar aerial voyages other than as a passenger on a scheduled airline — hot-air ballooning falls squarely in this risky category. Insurers carve it out to avoid raising premiums across the board for everyone.

Why are cheap telemarketed accident plans inadequate?

Because cheap usually means incomplete. Mugged by a head-bashing gang with serious head injuries? No riot-and-civil-commotion (RCC) cover, no payout. Third-degree burns (down to the dermis)? No burns benefit, no payout. Paralysed but with limbs intact under a dismemberment-only policy with no permanent total disablement? Again, nothing. Always read the policy’s exclusions.

So how should you choose?

Pick a plan with all four limbs of cover. Plenty of accident policies on the market bundle death, permanent total disablement, scheduled dismemberment, third-degree burns and RCC together — if your telemarketed policies fall short, consider switching.