Office of Enrollment Management

Disability Insurance

 

Disability Insurance

According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults are considered disabled. Disability insurance would replace a person’s income if the individual was no longer able to work. This is often a benefit offered through the workplace. Cost of the insurance varies based on the job and can often be purchased through your workplace.

Short-term disability

This insurance covers illnesses or injuries that occur over a short amount of time. For example, if someone breaks their leg and cannot work for 8 weeks, the individual could activate the short-term disability policy. Many companies offer this as an option to purchase in your benefits.  It is usually more expensive than long-term disability. 

Long-term disability

covers a person that is injured or sick for an extended period of time. It will replace a percentage of a person’s income for longer, sometimes decades.  Many companies also offer long-term disability and this is usually less expensive than short-term disability. 

What is an elimination period?

Both types of disability carry elimination periods. An elimination period is the amount of time you have to be disabled or injured before your benefits begin. Short-term disability usually carries a 7 day elimination period where long-term disability often goes up to 180 days.  The longer the elimination periods reduce the premium paid for the policy.

Is disability insurance necessary?

Yes!  As a medical provider, an injury may impact your ability to serve your population. Consider a surgeon who begins to have shaky hands (long-term) or a nurse who has a broken arm and cannot lift (short-term). 

Compare any occupation and own occupation terms.