Disability Insurance
Your income is your greatest asset. Protect it.
Learn how disability insurance works, what it covers, and how to choose the right policy. Compare carriers and get a free quote in minutes.
What is disability insurance?
Disability insurance is income protection that replaces a portion of your earnings when you cannot work due to illness or injury. Unlike health insurance, which covers medical bills, disability insurance pays you monthly benefits so you can pay your bills, mortgage, and living expenses when you can't earn a paycheck. According to the Social Security Administration, more than 1 in 4 of today's 20-year-olds will become disabled before reaching retirement age.
Benefit Amount
Monthly income replacement (typically 60–80% of your pre-disability income).
Elimination Period
Waiting period between disability and when benefits begin (e.g., 90 days).
Benefit Period
How long benefits last (e.g., 2 years, 5 years, or to age 65).
Definition of Disability
Own-occupation vs. any-occupation determines when you qualify for benefits.
How does disability insurance work?
You apply, go through underwriting (health questions and possibly a paramedical exam), get approved, and pay premiums to keep coverage in force. If you become disabled, you file a claim. After the elimination period, you receive monthly benefits until you recover or the benefit period ends.
Types of disability insurance
Disability insurance comes in several forms — from short-term coverage for recovery periods to long-term coverage that can last until retirement. Compare all types and policy features →
Short-term disability
Income replacement for 3–6 months with a short waiting period. Covers recovery from surgery, illness, or injury.
Learn more →Long-term disability
Income protection for years or until retirement. Designed for serious disabilities that prevent you from working long-term.
Learn more →Own-occupation vs. any-occupation
Own-occupation pays if you can't do your specific job; any-occupation only pays if you can't work in any suitable occupation.
Learn more →Individual vs. group
Employer group plans often have gaps; individual policies are portable and typically offer stronger definitions of disability.
Learn more →What does disability insurance cover?
What disability insurance typically does NOT cover
- Pre-existing conditions (often excluded for 12–24 months or longer)
- Disabilities from self-inflicted injury or substance abuse
- Disabilities from war or hazardous activities (common exclusions)
- Benefits after the benefit period ends or policy lapses
How much does disability insurance cost?
Disability insurance typically costs 1–3% of your annual income. For example, someone earning $100,000 might pay $1,000–$3,000 per year. Premiums depend on your age, occupation, health, benefit amount, elimination period, and benefit period.
Learn more about disability insurance costs →Expert Tip: Buy when you're young and healthy
The best time to purchase disability insurance is when you're young and healthy. Premiums are lower, and you can lock in coverage before any health conditions develop that could make insurance more expensive or difficult to obtain later.
—Brad Cummins, Insurance Geek Founder
Ways to save on disability insurance
- •Longer elimination period — 90–180 days vs. 30 days lowers premiums
- •Younger age — Lock in lower rates when you're younger
- •Any-occupation definition — Cheaper than own-occupation (but less protection)
- •Shorter benefit period — 2–5 years costs less than to age 65
- •Compare carriers — An independent agent can shop multiple insurers for you
Disability insurance guides
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How to get disability insurance
Assess your coverage needs
Determine how much monthly benefit you need, your preferred elimination period (90 days is common), and benefit period (to age 65 is typical).
Get quotes
Use our quote widget above or click Get a Quote. Compare individual policies and see how they supplement any employer coverage you have.
Apply and complete underwriting
Apply with your chosen carrier. Complete health questions, provide financial documentation, and any required paramedical exam.
Accept your policy
Review your offer, pay your first premium, and accept your policy to activate coverage. Individual policies are portable—they stay with you even if you change jobs.
Disability insurance FAQs
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