Injury
What it means, and what it does to a claim.
Accidental bodily harm caused by external, violent and visible means, certified by a doctor. Illness and disease are specifically excluded from it.
Why it matters
Whether something is an injury or an illness changes what applies. Accidents usually bypass the initial waiting period, so a broken leg in month one is typically covered where a hernia would not be. The external, violent and visible test is also why internal damage with no external cause — a slipped disc lifting a suitcase — is often treated as illness rather than accident.
The legal definition
Injury means accidental physical bodily harm excluding illness or disease solely and directly caused by external, violent and visible and evident means which is verified and certified by a Medical Practitioner.
Quoted verbatim from an IRDAI-filed policy wording. Definitions are standardised across insurers, but the limits attached to them are not — always read your own policy schedule.
Plans where injury matters
- Aditya Birla Health Activ One MAX — No limit — any room category
- Aditya Birla Sun Life Super Term Plan
- ICICI Prudential iProtect Smart Plus
Related terms
- Emergency Care — Treatment for something that came on suddenly and needs immediate attention to prevent death or lasting harm.
- Hospitalization — Being admitted to a hospital as an in-patient for at least 24 consecutive hours — except for procedures on the day-care list, which are covered in less.
- Illness — A sickness, disease or condition that impairs normal function and needs treatment.
- Waiting Period — A stretch of time at the start of a policy when certain conditions are not covered yet.
Disclaimer: Figures shown here are compiled from IRDAI annual reports and public grievance disclosures, and from insurer public disclosures and policy wordings. Claim settlement ratios and complaint volumes are three-year averages for FY 2024–26. Premiums are indicative illustrations for the stated profile, not quotes — your actual premium depends on your age, health, city, habits and underwriting. Scores are Myinsurancebro's own assessment. Always read the official policy document and speak to an advisor before buying. Myinsurancebro is an IRDAI-licensed insurance advisor — we do not manufacture or underwrite any insurance product.