A home, a car, a business — all insurable. But most people never insure the one thing that pays for everything: their income. Disability insurance protects your paycheck when illness or injury sidelines you.
People insure their car, their home, their phone — but leave their income completely unprotected. Yet a disability is statistically far more likely to derail your finances than a house fire or car accident.
If you couldn't work for 3 months — 6 months — or 2 years — how long could your family survive without your income? For most households, the honest answer is: not very long.
⚠️ About Employer Coverage: Many employer group disability plans only cover 60% of base salary, exclude bonuses and commissions, and become taxable if your employer pays the premiums. That "coverage" may not be nearly enough — and it disappears the moment you change jobs.
The right coverage depends on how long you need to wait before benefits begin, how long you need them to last, and how your disability is defined. These details matter enormously.
Replaces income for a shorter period — typically 3 to 6 months — after a brief elimination period of 0–14 days. Ideal for covering recovery from surgery, injury, pregnancy, or acute illness.
Best for: Bridging the gap before long-term coverage beginsReplaces 60–70% of your income for extended periods — 2 years, 5 years, or all the way to age 65. Typically kicks in after 90 days. The most critical protection for serious or lasting conditions.
⭐ Most Important Coverage to HaveThe gold standard — pays benefits if you can't perform your specific occupation, even if you could technically work in another field. Essential for doctors, dentists, attorneys, and skilled professionals.
Best for: High-income professionals with specialized skillsFor business owners — covers operating expenses like rent, staff salaries, utilities, and loan payments if you become disabled. Keeps your business alive while you recover.
Best for: Self-employed · Solo practitioners · Small business ownersYes — most individual disability policies cover mental and nervous conditions, including depression, anxiety, and burnout. However, many group employer plans limit mental health disability benefits to 24 months. Individual policies often have no such limitation.
Employer group benefits are typically taxable income, limited in amount, and tied to your employment. An individual policy supplements group coverage, fills the income gap, and stays with you if you leave your job.
Workers' compensation only covers injuries or illnesses that happen on the job. Disability insurance covers you regardless of where or how your disability occurs — which is important since most disabilities are caused by illness, not workplace accidents.
Sometimes — it depends on the condition and the carrier. Some conditions can be excluded via a rider while the rest of the policy remains in force. We know which carriers are most favorable for specific pre-existing conditions and will find your best option.
Typically 1–3% of your annual income for a solid individual policy. For a person earning $100,000, that's roughly $1,000–$3,000/year — a small price compared to losing your full income for months or years.