What Is Disability Insurance?

Disability insurance is a type of coverage that replaces a portion of your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. It ensures financial stability while you recover, and helps you continue paying for everyday expenses like rent, bills, and groceries.

There are two main types:

• Short-Term Disability Insurance (STD): Covers you for a few weeks to several months (typically up to 6 months).
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD): Starts after your short-term coverage ends and can last for years — sometimes until retirement age.

Who Needs Disability Insurance?

If you rely on your income to support yourself or your family, you should seriously consider disability insurance. It’s not just for those in high-risk jobs — even desk workers can become disabled by chronic illness, injury, or accidents.

People who benefit most include:

• ✅ Self-employed professionals and freelancers
• ✅ Breadwinners with children or dependents
• ✅ Anyone without substantial emergency savings
• ✅ Workers with physical job duties
• ✅ Employees whose companies don’t offer disability benefits

According to the Social Security Administration, 1 in 4 workers will become disabled before retirement. Planning ahead is crucial.

What Does Disability Insurance Cover?

Disability insurance generally covers:

• Injuries: From car accidents, falls, repetitive strain, or other trauma.
• Illnesses: Cancer, heart disease, mental health disorders, or neurological conditions.
• Pregnancy and recovery: Often included in short-term policies.

What’s Usually Excluded?

• Pre-existing conditions (within the first year)
• Injuries from criminal activity or war
• Self-inflicted harm
• Part-time or inconsistent income without proof

Be sure to read policy details closely — exclusions and waiting periods vary by insurer.

How Much Coverage Should You Get?

Most policies cover 50–70% of your pre-tax income. You should aim for:

• 💵 Enough to cover your mortgage or rent, utilities, debt payments, and essentials
• ⏳ A waiting period (elimination period) that matches your emergency fund (typically 30–90 days)
• 📆 Benefit duration based on your long-term financial goals — 2 years, 5 years, or until age 65

Tip: The longer the waiting period, the lower the premium — but make sure you can cover that gap with savings.

Best Disability Insurance Providers (2025)

These top-rated insurers offer strong long-term disability plans, simplified application options, and reliable support:

Where to Apply for Disability Insurance Online

Get started with a free quote from trusted providers and compare coverage instantly:

• Apply Instantly at Breeze (Affiliate)
• Compare Plans with Policygenius (Affiliate)
• View Guardian’s LTD Options