Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
Underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company

Why Accident Insurance?

Accidents can happen to anyone at anytime and anywhere, frequently causing financial hardship for those left behind or to those  left disabled. 

Unfortunately, no one is immune to accidents and you cannot predict when or where an accident will occur.   All that you can do is try to prepare for the financial  consequences of a serious accident.  That's why we urge Alumni members and their families to secure this invaluable Accidental Death & Dismemberment protection underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company (NY, NY 10010).

Who Can Apply?

All Columbia Alumni Association members and their lawful spouses* residing in the United States or Canada (except Quebec) who are under age 65 are eligible to enroll for up to $500,000 in Accident Death & Dismemberment protection. Unmarried dependent children over 14 days and under 19 years of age (under 25 if the child is a full-time student) are also eligible for coverage.

*The spouse's amount may not exceed the member's elected amount.

Coverage is Guaranteed

Acceptance into this plan is guaranteed for eligible members.  Coverage becomes effective on the first date of the month following the date coverage is approved by New York Life, provided the initial premium is paid in a timely manner and the applicant is performing his or her normal activities  on the later of the effective date or the date the contribution is paid.

How the Plan Works

If injuries caused by a covered accident result in death or dismemberment within 180 days of the accident, the plan is designed to pay the following benefits:

• 100% of the benefit selected for loss of life, sight of both eyes, both hands, both feet, or any combination of foot, hand or sight in one eye.
• 50% of the benefit selected for loss of one foot, one hand or sight in one eye.

Only one amount, the largest to which you are entitled is paid for all losses resulting from one accident.

Loss of sight means total and permanent loss.
Loss of limb means severance through or above the wrist or ankle joint.

Beneficiary
You may name anyone you wish as beneficiary for loss of life. You may change your beneficiary at any time by notifying the plan administrator in writing.  You, the insured member are automatically the beneficiary of any coverage for your spouse and the children under this plan as well as for losses that do not result in death.

Incontestability
The validity of any amount of insurance which has been in force for two years during the insured's life will not be contested except for eligibility and non-payment of premiums.

Additional Plan Features

Common Carrier Double Benefit Allowance
Additional benefits are payable for loss of life caused by a covered accident that happens anywhere in the world while you are a fare-paying passenger on a public conveyance operated by a licensed common carrier, including bus, train, boat and airplane.  This extra benefit amount doubles the basic coverage amount and applies to insured member and spouse coverage's only.

Seat Belt - additional 50%  up to $50,000 of the benefits can be paid for loss of life caused by an automobile accident while the insured is wearing a  seat belt.

The seat belt benefit will be paid if death occurs within 90 days of the accident.  Proof  that the insured's death was caused by the accident and the person was properly wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident must be submitted to the insurance company with a copy of the police accident report.

Education Benefit - additional $2,500 each year.
If you select dependent children coverage and you lose your life in a covered accident while the policy  is in force, the Plan is designed to pay, in addition to other benefits, 2% of your full benefit amount (to a maximum of $2,500) to any eligible insured dependent child enrolled in an accredited college or university or subsequently enrolls within 365 days after the date of death.  This benefit is payable after your death for a maximum of four consecutive years as long as the dependent child remains eligible.

When Coverage Ends
You can renew this coverage until the premium due date coinciding with or next following your or your spouse's age 75.  The only way coverage can be terminated before that date is: 1) If you do not pay your premiums when due, 2) If the group policy is terminated by either the policyholder or New York Life, or 3) your written request.

Exclusions

Benefits are not payable for any loss that results from suicide or intentionally self-inflicted injury; (Missouri residents: the exclusion for self-inflicted injury is not applicable to injuries caused by attempted suicide while insane), insurrection, war or any act of war; a physical or mental sickness, or treatment of that sickness; voluntary intake of poison, drugs, gas or fumes (unless taken as prescribed by a physician); committing a crime, or an attempt to do so; being intoxicated or under the influence of any drug (unless taken as prescribed by a physician); flight in any type of aircraft while serving as the pilot, licensed or unlicensed, or member of the crew.

Rights To Change Benefits, Rates Or Terminate The Plan
Changes to the group policy are subject to agreement between New York Life and the Policyholder. The Policyholder or New York Life may terminate the plan on any premium due date by giving 90 days advance notice. Rates may be changed by New York Life on any premium due date and on any date which benefits are changed. You may keep your coverage in force provided you and your dependents remain eligible, the group policy remains in force, and you pay your premiums when due.

Please use the links on the left side of the page for  information on the rates and how to apply.