Get a Quote

Accidental death & permanent disablement benefit

Accidents are unpredictable, but your financial security doesn’t have to be. Add accidental death and permanent disablement cover to your life insurance policy and get the extra protection you need.

What is the accidental death & permanent disablement benefit?

Accidental death & permanent disablement is an optional benefit that pays you a lump sum if:

  • You die from an accident, or
  • You survive an accident but suffer permanent disablement

This optional benefit specifically covers accidents—offering additional financial support when the unexpected happens.

If you die from an accident, your beneficiaries will receive a lump sum of up to US$1mn—in addition to your main life insurance benefit.

If you survive an accident, but you suffer a serious injury resulting in permanent disablement, we’ll pay you a lump sum up to US$500,000 to help ease the financial burden while you adjust to life changes and possible loss of income.

Designed for expats living and working abroad, this cover protects you worldwide, ensuring financial security no matter where life takes you.

Why is the accidental death & permanent disablement benefit useful?

Accidents come in all shapes and sizes, and for families living abroad, the consequences can be disastrous. Living in a country where you are unfamiliar with the culture, language, and infrastructure can increase the risk of accidents.

If you’re living or working abroad, an accident can have even greater consequences for you and your family. You might not have access to the same financial support systems as you would in your home country, and medical costs can be high.

  • Financial security for your family – If the worst happens, accidental death and permanent disablement cover provides a lump-sum payout to help cover expenses, from everyday bills to your children’s education.
  • Protection against loss of income – A permanent disability could impact your ability to work. Accidental death and permanent disablement cover helps replace lost earnings so you can focus on recovery.
  • Peace of mind – Knowing you have extra financial protection can help you feel more secure while living abroad.
Lee Doran, Underwriting Manager at William Russell
“The accidental death & permanent disablement benefit is a worthwhile addition to support your life insurance policy. It can help with the period of readjustment following a life-changing injury and provides your family with an extra level of protection should the worst happen.”

What do I need to know about the accidental death & permanent disablement benefit?

Your accidental death & permanent disablement benefit will become payable when a death or permanent disablement occurs as a result of an accident during your policy year.

  • It’s an optional benefit that can be taken out to supplement your core life insurance cover
  • It covers death of the policyholder, or serious injury that results in permanent disability
  • You’ll receive a lump sum in addition to your main life insurance benefit—funds can be used however you need them: for medical costs, adapting your home, or supporting your loved ones
  • You are covered worldwide, for life, work and travel abroad
Need help?

Get in touch with us

The quickest way to reach us is by email.

Are there any exclusions for the accidental death & permanent disablement benefit?

There are certain situations that won’t be covered by the accidental death & permanent disablement benefit:

  • We will not pay a claim which happens when you are committing, attempting, or participating in an activity that is illegal in the country where it takes place.
  • We don’t cover for accidental death if your death results from war, warlike activities, military action, acts of foreign hostilities (whether or not war is declared), civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, usurped power, mutiny, riot, strike, martial law, state of siege, attempted overthrow of government, any acts of terrorism, murder, attempted murder, kidnap (including attempted kidnap or attempted rescue from kidnapping), or assault of any kind (irrespective of whether the insured person is an active participant in any of the above activities or merely an innocent bystander).
  • Suicide, or injuries suffered through attempted suicide are also excluded from claims, along with any intentionally self-inflicted injuries, including those related to substance abuse such as alcohol or drug addictions.
  • You are not covered for accidents that take place while participating in hazardous activities such as some sporting activities, unless that activity is specifically outlined in the limits of your personal policy.

For a full list of exclusions, please read the policy T&Cs.

How to make a claim for the accidental death & permanent disablement benefit

We’ve made it as easy as possible for you to claim for accidental death & permanent disablement benefit, and you can get in touch and speak to our award-winning team for help. To claim, simply tell us by following these steps:

William Russell Brand Icon Call Us

Step 1

Contact us

Inform us of a death or permanent disablement by calling us on +44 1276 486 460 or email us at claims@william-russell.com

William Russell brand icon showing a black outline of a medical card with a pink background

Step 2

Have documentation to hand

We’ll need a few things to process the claim, including a copy of the policyholder’s death certificate in the event of death, or a completed accident claim form following an accident. Claims must be submitted within a year of the date of the loss or incident.

William Russell brand icon showing a black outline of a speech bubbles on a pink background

Step 3

We’ll be in touch

Once we have assessed your claim, we’ll be in touch to confirm the next steps.

There are a wealth of benefits that come from taking out international life insurance
Here are 8 reasons to take out life insurance when moving abroad

Is there anything else I should know?

Still got questions about our accidental death & permanent disablement benefit? You can find answers to the most common questions here, but feel free to get in touch and speak to our team. We’d be glad to help.

Yes, you can add the accidental death & permanent disablement benefit to your life insurance policy if your policy started on or after 15 April 2025 and your life insurance benefit exceeds your annual income or US$100,000. Your accidental & death & permanent disablement benefit cannot exceed your life insurance benefit. You cannot purchase the benefit separately.

The premium you pay depends on your age and occupation. You can can get a quote online.

The maximum benefit for accidental death is up to US$1,000,000. Within the benefit you select, there is a sublimit of US$500,000 for accidental disablement.

You can nominate a beneficiary for your accidental death & permanent disablement benefit at any time. Please email us at contact@william-russell.com, and we’ll send you the necessary information and forms. If you haven’t appointed a beneficiary at the time of your death, the beneficiary of your accidental death & permanent disablement benefit will be as follows:

• your spouse; failing him/her

• your legally declared child(ren) in equal shares; failing him/her/them

• your estate

In the event of a claim, please note that a partner may not have the same rights attributed to a spouse. If you wish us to pay the accidental death & permanent disablement benefit to your partner in the event of your death in an accident, you must formally name your partner as beneficiary.

You can add the accidental death & permanent disablement benefit to you policy provided you are age 69 or younger, and you can retain the the benefit on your policy until the end of the policy year during which you reach the age of 70.

Notes on the accidental death and permanent disablement benefit

We show the benefit limits in US dollars, but we can also denominate your policy in pounds sterling or Euros. You won’t find complete information for our products on this webpage, nor the full T&Cs, limitations, and exclusions that would apply if you purchase a life insurance policy. You can find complete information in the policy T&Cs, which we suggest you read together with this webpage. We work hard to ensure the information we provide on this webpage is accurate and up-to-date, but inaccuracies are possible. We rectify errors as soon as we become aware of them. The terms and conditions that apply to your policy are those found in your policy T&Cs.

Wherever you go, go with total peace of mind

At William Russell, we have over 30 years’ experience of providing international life insurance exclusively for expats like you. Become a member today to enjoy worldwide coverage, giving you total peace of mind wherever you move to live and work.

Profile picture of Joe Holden

Joe Holden
Global Relationship Manager

If you’re ready to see prices for life insurance, click on ‘Get a Quote’ below to head on over to our online quote tool.

We’ll ask you a few details (your age, your location), and then we’ll show you prices—it only takes a few minutes!

A couple of days after you’ve received you quote, Joe will email or call you to find out how we can help you further. Joe won’t bug you, and you can opt out at any time.

Get a Quote

Read our blog

It’s filled with handy information and tips for expats.

Read More
How To Protect Your Life & Well-Being As An Expat

How To Protect Your Life & Well-Being As An Expat

Living in a foreign country is a fantastic experience – but not without its risks….
Read More
William Russell blog - International Life Insurance in times of global crisis blog banner - civil unrest in USA

International Life Insurance In Times Of Global Crisis

During a time of global crisis and uncertainty, how can long-term insurance products…
Read More
The History Of Insurance: When Did Insurance Start?

The History Of Insurance: When Did Insurance Start?

Insurance is a huge global industry, but where did it all start? We take a look at…

We were one of the first insurance providers to cover people living abroad, and we’ve earned a reputation for our wonderful customer service.

Allianz

The insurer behind our policies is part of the Allianz group

Why it matters
Feefo Trusted Logo

We’re proud of our award-winning service and our members rate it highly

See more reviews
William Russell Policy Team

You will get your own dedicated adviser when you join

Meet the team
Money back guarantee 30 days

Trial your policy for 30 days

If you’re not happy with your life insurance policy or the service we provide, and you haven’t yet made a claim, then we’ll refund the premium you’ve paid—no questions asked.

Back to top