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AD&D Insurance

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Our accidental death and dismemberment insurance (AD&D) is designed to protect you against the financial impact of an accidental death or dismemberment, such as the loss of a limb.

This benefit is in addition to life insurance. AD&D coverage is an effective way to purchase substantial amounts of insurance coverage at a reasonable cost.

Plan Information

  • Stanford’s AD&D plan pays benefits based on the severity of the accident or injury.
  • The full coverage amount you elect will be paid for accidental loss of life.
  • Partial or full payment results from loss of limb(s), sight or hearing, or a combination of more than one loss.
  • The plan will also pay additional cash benefits for some expenses you may incur as a result of your injury.
  • If you die, benefits will be paid to your beneficiary. If a covered dependent dies, benefits will be paid to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding AD&D insurance.

General Information

Can I purchase AD&D insurance for my spouse/registered domestic partner and/or dependent child(ren)?

Yes. The coverage levels are similar to the Supplemental Dependent Life Insurance plan. To enroll your dependents, you must have coverage for yourself equal to or greater than their coverage. You must be actively at work to apply for or increase coverage.

Can I enroll in Stanford’s AD&D coverage as an employee and be enrolled on my spouse/domestic partner’s AD&D plan here at Stanford?

No. You may not elect coverage as an employee and receive coverage as another employee's dependent. Also, only one parent may cover eligible dependent children.

Do I pay for this benefit?

Yes, you pay the cost of this benefit if you elect coverage. It is deducted from your paycheck before taxes are calculated.

Can I continue AD&D coverage after my employment ends?

Yes, if you are eligible. To find out if you are eligible, call the University HR Service Team at (650)736-2985.

If eligible, we will send you an enrollment form. You must send Prudential the completed enrollment form and pay the first premium within 31 days of the date that your coverage ends under the Stanford plan.

Beneficiaries

What is a beneficiary and how do I name one?

Your beneficiary is the person to whom your AD&D insurance benefits are paid in the event of your death. You can have more than one beneficiary at a time. When you log in to enroll for benefits, complete the beneficiary designation form. Be sure to print a copy for your records.

Who is my beneficiary if I do not complete the Beneficiary Designation Form?

If you die without naming a beneficiary, your benefit will be paid to a relative or your estate. Prudential follows a standard procedure to determine the payee.

Can I change my beneficiary?

Yes. To do so, just update the beneficiary designation form online.

Review/change your beneficiary information

Can I assign my trust as beneficiary for my spouse's AD&D coverage?

Yes, you may choose your own beneficiary for your dependents' AD&D coverage.

Review/change your beneficiary information

Are claims payments to beneficiaries taxable?

Generally, life insurance benefits are not taxable. However, if any accrued interest is paid, that amount may be subject to taxes. In those cases, the beneficiary would receive a tax form for reporting purposes. We recommend speaking with a tax advisor if you have any questions.