Why is disability insurance important?

Everything from paying your mortgage to saving for a child’s college education depends on your ability to earn money from your job. The lost income from a serious illness or injury that prevents you from working can be substantial.

Sadly, half of working Americans (49%) couldn’t make it six months before financial difficulties would set in—and 11% said they would have problems immediately, according to the 2022 Insurance Barometer Study by Life Happens and LIMRA. An already unfortunate situation is often compounded by hefty medical bills that pile up on top of everyday expenses. Financial hardship from an injury or illness could lead you to burn through your savings, sacrifice your quality of life or even lose your home.

One of the best ways to protect your future earning potential and keep you and your family on solid financial ground is through a disability insurance policy.

Disability insurance steps in to help you cover expenses; it pays you a percentage of your salary if an illness or injury prevents you from working. Depending on your policy, disability insurance covers your lost income for anywhere for a few weeks to your entire working life.

You most likely purchase auto insurance, homeowners insurance and maybe life insurance to protect yourself and the ones you love. Like each of these coverage options, disability insurance should be a part of your overall financial plan.

The main ways to get disability insurance are through your employer, through a professional organization or on your own. Learn the distinctions here.