Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

All Postdoc Associates and Scholars are eligible for basic life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance. Enrollment is automatic and coverage is paid for by GW.

Core Benefits	Life and AD&D*
Basic Life	1x earnings to max $100,000
Accidental Death & Dismemberment	1x earnings to max $100,000

*Automatic enrollment, paid for by the University

What is Life and AD&D Insurance?

Basic Life insurance helps provide financial protection in the event of an eligible member’s covered death. Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance may provide an additional amount in the event of a covered death or dismemberment as a result of an accident.

Additional Features

AD&D Seat Belt Benefit: Up to $25,000 is payable for death as a result of a car accident while wearing a seat belt.
AD&D Airbag Benefit: Provides further protection in the event of a covered automobile accident for which an AD&D Seat Belt Benefit is payable. The amount of the Air Bag Benefit 100 % of AD&D Policy up to $ 25,000
AD&D Family Benefits: Includes benefits for career adjustment, childcare, and higher education for eligible surviving family members. Review the Life/AD&D Summary Plan Description in the Plan Documents Library for additional details.

Designating Your Beneficiary(ies)

A beneficiary is the person or people who will receive your life insurance benefit in the event of your passing. A contingent beneficiary is the person or people who will receive the benefit if the primary beneficiaries have predeceased the insured. Your beneficiary (ies) should be designated on your enrollment form.

Life Insurance and Income Taxes

For Associates: The value of university provided life insurance exceeding $50,000 is required to be reported as income by IRS. The Imputed income , based on the IRS Premium Table, will be reported on your W-2 form. If you wish to avoid imputed income, you may waive the value of coverage over $50,000.
For Scholars: The full value of the university provided life insurance is required to be reported as income by the IRS. The imputed income, based on the IRS Premium Table, will be reported on your Form 1099.

Please note: International postdoctoral trainees holding a J-1 visa (and their J-2 dependents) DO NOT need to purchase supplemental medical evacuation and repatriation coverage to meet J-1 and J-2 visa requirements. The Life/ AD&D plan satisfies these requirements, even if the postdoc waives the medical, dental and vision coverage.