Critical illness and accidental injury plans offer lump-sum cash payments to the employee in the event of an accident or serious illness. Critical injury plans may cover a specific disease or condition (such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke) or general hospitalizations. These plans may also pay a fixed amount per day if the insured is hospitalized. Both critical illness and accident insurance coverages are voluntary, employee-paid offerings. Before adding a separate accident insurance offering, check your company’s existing life insurance plan, as it may include accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.