State RegulationsMA specificDifficulty 2/5
A Massachusetts life policy includes an accidental death benefit. If the insured dies from injuries sustained in a covered accident rather than from illness, what does this provision do?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
An accidental death benefit pays an additional amount — over and above the policy's base death benefit — when the insured dies as a result of accidental bodily injury within the conditions the policy specifies. Massachusetts anchors this living and death benefit structure in M.G.L. c. 175, § 144(7), and M.G.L. c. 175, § 24, as reflected in the state's life insurance framework. The feature rewards the policy's accidental-death scenario with extra protection rather than merely accelerating what already exists.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) Death benefits are paid as lump sums or per settlement option; an accidental death does not convert the contract into an annuity.
- C) Premium waiver is a separate disability provision; accidental death triggers extra money, not premium relief.
- D) Hospice funding is the role of an accelerated benefit for the living insured; the accidental death benefit pays extra after death.
Memory hook
Sudden tragedy, extra money: accidental death pays on top of the base benefit.