Life cover & benefits
What are PTD, PPD and TTD in personal accident insurance?
Personal accident insurance pays a fixed sum if an accident causes death or disability. It recognises three kinds of disability. PTD, permanent total disablement, is treated like death and pays 100% of the sum insured. PPD, permanent partial disablement, pays a percentage set in the policy. TTD, temporary total disablement, pays a weekly amount while you can’t work.
In short
- PTD: permanent total disablement, paid at 100% of the sum insured.
- PPD: permanent partial disablement, paid as a percentage in the policy’s table.
- TTD: temporary total disablement, paid weekly while you can’t work.
- There is no such thing as temporary partial disablement.
What does personal accident insurance cover?
Death or disability caused by an accident, paid as a fixed benefit. In a company policy, called GPA, the cover is bought in four tables: table 1 covers death only; table 2 adds PTD; table 3 adds PPD; table 4 adds TTD. Which table you have decides which of the benefits below you can claim.
PTD, PPD and TTD side by side
| Short form | Stands for | Example | How it is paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTD | Permanent Total Disablement | Loss of both limbs or both eyes | Like death: 100% of the sum insured |
| PPD | Permanent Partial Disablement | Loss of one limb, one eye or a finger | A percentage of the sum insured, per the table in the wording |
| TTD | Temporary Total Disablement | Unable to work for weeks after a fracture | A weekly amount, commonly around 1% of the sum insured, for a set number of weeks |
The PPD percentages and the TTD terms differ by insurer, so read the policy wording rather than relying on a figure from the internet.
Is there temporary partial disablement?
No. People often assume it exists, but accident policies do not cover temporary partial disablement. If you can still do part of your work while recovering, TTD does not pay. It pays only while you are totally unable to work.
What is the weekly cap on TTD?
Most policies cap the weekly TTD amount. A cap set low against real salaries can make the benefit close to meaningless for a well-paid employee. For an employer, the cap is a design choice made when the policy is set up, so it is worth setting it in line with actual salaries.
Frequently asked questions
What is PTD in insurance?
Permanent total disablement: a lasting disability such as the loss of both limbs or both eyes. It is treated like death and paid at 100% of the sum insured.
What is PPD in insurance?
Permanent partial disablement: a lasting partial loss, such as one limb or one eye. It is paid as a percentage of the sum insured set in the policy's table.
What is TTD in insurance?
Temporary total disablement: a weekly benefit while you are totally unable to work after an accident, for a set number of weeks.
Does accident insurance cover temporary partial disability?
No. Only temporary total disablement is covered.
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A note on this page. Everything here is general information, not insurance, legal, financial or tax advice, and nothing is an offer. No insurer or product is named or recommended. What any policy covers depends on its own wording and schedule. For advice about your situation, talk to us.