Disability Insurance is a tool that many people should consider. There are options available that may be able to help you in various situations. In this article we will take a look at disability insurance to outline the way it works.
What is Disability Insurance
Disability insurance is a way for you to be covered and make an income if you are unable to work due to a disability. Each plan has a definition of a disability and the qualifications needed to be met in order to be covered. You may need to work with a physician to submit information to the insurance company.
Types of Insurance
There are two main types of disability insurance, short term and long term. Short term is coverage for a worker for a short period of time, as the name states. The typical time frame is about 3-6 weeks. It will offer a portion of your salary for this time period. Short term might be good for a surgery or procedure that won’t allow you to work. Long term disability is just like short term but obviously for a longer period of time, around 6 months or more. A long term plan may be good for someone who has an illness like cancer.
Ways to Get
Disability Insurance can be acquired many different ways. There are private companies that sell. Most private insurance companies where you may find home, car or health insurance offer plans. You can have luck finding information online. It can also be offered by social security/the government. Social Security offers special programs for those suffering from major illness. That way everyone can be taken care of in the event of an unforeseen event.
Terms
When shopping around for disability insurance, it is important to review the terms. Once you do your research you will learn a lot of the key terms.
Elimination Period- This is the period of time that must pass before your policy can take into effect. Basically when your policy starts you can not ask for coverage until the elimination period is over. Elimination period vary, can be anywhere from 2 weeks to 9 months.
Any Occupation/Own Occupation– This term used in disability coverage explains the circumstances of your disability. Are you unable to do any form of work or are you only unable to do your own occupation or own line of work. This is a key element of coverage.
Benefit Period- The benefit period is the length of time you will receive the portion of your salary payments and benefit.
Cost
The price of a policy depends on many things, many of them being the terms mentioned above.
Hopefully this provides you with an outline of disability insurance and can help you determine if it is right for you.
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