Disability Insurance
I'll walk you through your options and help you choose what works best for you.
Disability Insurance for Income Protection
Life is full of uncertainties, and your income is one of your most valuable assets. Disability insurance is designed to protect that income if an illness or injury prevents you from working. Unlike health insurance, which covers medical bills, disability insurance provides replacement income so you can continue meeting everyday expenses while you recover.
Short-term and long-term disability plans both exist, offering different levels of coverage depending on how long you’re unable to work. While many people assume Social Security Disability benefits are sufficient, those programs often have strict requirements and limited payouts—making private disability insurance an important safeguard.
Why Disability Insurance Matters
Income Protection: Ensures you can cover essentials like housing, groceries, and utilities if you can’t work.
Peace of Mind: Reduces financial stress during unexpected health challenges.
Flexibility: Benefits can be tailored to your specific income needs and occupation.
Supplement to Employer Coverage: Even if your employer offers a plan, additional private coverage may help bridge income gaps.
Types of Disability Insurance
Short-Term Disability: Provides income replacement for temporary conditions, typically lasting a few weeks to six months.
Long-Term Disability: Covers longer periods of disability, often until retirement age, if you cannot return to work.
Own-Occupation Coverage: Protects you if you’re unable to perform the duties of your specific job, even if you can work in another field.
Any-Occupation Coverage: Pays benefits only if you’re unable to work in any reasonable job based on your education and experience.
Key Factors to Compare
When evaluating disability insurance options, consider:
- Benefit Amount: The percentage of your income the plan replaces.
- Elimination Period: How long you must wait after becoming disabled before benefits begin.
- Benefit Duration: How long payments will continue (e.g., 2 years, 5 years, or until retirement age).
- Exclusions & Limitations: Conditions or situations not covered by the policy.
- Premium Costs: How much you’ll pay monthly or annually, and whether rates are guaranteed.