What Is Personal Accident Insurance and Who Needs It?
If you travel or work internationally—especially in places where healthcare systems are stretched, remote, or simply unfamiliar—you’ve probably wondered what kind of insurance you really need. Traditional travel insurance? Health insurance? Something else?
That “something else” is often personal accident insurance.
But what exactly is it—and is it something you should have?
In this article, we break down what personal accident insurance is, how it works, what it covers (and what it doesn’t), and who it’s for. Whether you’re a contractor, consultant, field worker, or employer with people on the move, this is essential knowledge.
What Is Personal Accident Insurance?
At its simplest, personal accident insurance pays out a fixed lump sum if you are injured, permanently disabled, or killed in an accident.
It’s not a replacement for health insurance, but it fills a critical gap—especially in short-term international assignments where traditional healthcare policies may not apply, or where evacuation and emergency treatment are difficult to arrange.
What Does It Typically Cover?
Accidental Death
If you die due to an accident while covered, your nominated beneficiary (or estate) receives a tax-free lump sum—usually between US $100,000 and $500,000.
Permanent Disability
This includes total loss of sight, limbs, mobility, or the ability to work in your trained profession. The payout amount is based on severity and type of injury.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Some policies also cover hospitalisation, surgery, outpatient care, and follow-up treatment—especially in countries with limited infrastructure.
Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
If you can’t be treated locally, this cover ensures you’re evacuated to a suitable medical facility—or repatriated home if needed.
Who Needs Personal Accident Insurance?
This cover isn’t just for people going into dangerous places. It’s for anyone working or travelling overseas, particularly in places where risks are harder to predict or manage.
Common examples include:
- Independent contractors on short-term assignments abroad
- Field engineers and consultants travelling to developing regions
- University researchers working outside their country of residence
- Security staff and site workers in conflict-affected areas
- Volunteers or support staff working in disaster-prone regions
- Organisations with local teams in less regulated areas
Why Traditional Travel Insurance Isn’t Enough
Most travel insurance policies exclude:
- War zones and conflict regions
- High-risk professions
- Emergency evacuation
- Work-related incidents
Personal accident insurance steps in where traditional policies stop short, offering cover that’s built for people doing real work in real-world conditions.
Real-Life Example
A survey consultant working in Southeast Asia was involved in a serious road traffic accident while travelling to a field site. Local hospitals were under-equipped to handle trauma care. Her personal accident policy:
- Paid for emergency evacuation to a regional private hospital
- Covered treatment and rehab
- Paid a lump sum for time off work due to permanent loss of function in one arm
Without the policy, she would have faced tens of thousands of dollars in costs—and a much slower recovery.
Who Can Buy This Insurance?
We offer cover for:
- Individuals working overseas
- Employers insuring international staff
- Organisations insuring locally employed teams
You can buy cover for as little as 3 days, or as long as 12 months—with flexible options for individuals and groups.
How Much Does It Cost?
Typical pricing:
- From US $29.70 per week for individuals
- From US $11.00 per person per day for local worker or group policies
- Deductibles apply only to medical claims (usually US $250)
Get in touch for a tailored quote based on your destination and role.
What Isn’t Covered? (Common Exclusions)
- Routine medical care or check-ups
- Non-accidental illness in your home country
- Pre-existing conditions
- Injuries while breaking local laws or acting recklessly
Always check the policy wording for exact terms.
Why Choose Us?
We’ve built insurance that works in the real world:
- Conflict zone cover included as standard
- Simple admin for teams and managers
- Support from our global assistance partner
- Trusted by organisations across multiple sectors
Related Policies
Personal Cover for Work Abroad
Group Personal Accident Insurance
Cover for Locally Employed Staff
External Resource
Rory Peck Trust – Safety & Security Resources
Key Takeaways
- Personal accident insurance is not health insurance, but it’s vital protection for short-term, high-risk, or international work.
- It’s suitable for individuals, employers, and local teams.
- It’s flexible, affordable, and built for complex environments.
What Next?
