Let’s look at an example. Say, you fall from a ladder while hanging holiday lights. That single event could come with multiple expenses — from riding in the ambulance and staying at the hospital to getting medical procedures, medications, and more. An average trip to the ER costs around $1,139. After you’re discharged, you might still need follow-up care, crutches, or rehab. And all of that is in addition to other everyday expenses, like taking a taxi if you can't drive or ordering food delivery. With accident insurance, you receive payments to use at your discretion. In this example, that could include everything from your deductible or coinsurance, to groceries or rides to work.