Story at-a-glance
- What counts as “disabled”? – Look for true own-occupation coverage that protects your specialty for the full benefit period.
- Can you still earn income elsewhere? – Top-tier policies let you work in another field while still receiving full benefits.
- How soon do benefits start? – Choose an elimination period that balances affordability with your ability to cover short-term needs.
- Will your benefits last long enough? – Most doctors choose coverage to age 65 or longer for lifetime protection.
- Does it cover partial disability? – Avoid policies that require total disability first—especially important for progressive illnesses.
- Will your benefit grow with inflation? – The COLA rider ensures your benefits keep pace with rising living costs.
- Can you increase coverage later? – The Future Insurability Option (FIO) lets you boost benefits as your income grows—no medical requalification.
- Can your insurer raise rates or cancel your policy? – Only non-cancelable, guaranteed renewable policies give you full control.
Before you buy - be sure to ask these eight disability insurance questions:
If you’re considering disability insurance, it’s crucial to ask the right disability insurance questions before purchasing a policy. Understanding how coverage works will help ensure you’re financially protected if you ever become unable to work. Here are the eight most important disability insurance questions to ask:
The 10-Second Audit: What to Look For
| Policy Feature | The Gold Standard (What You Want) | The "Red Flag" (What to Avoid) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | True Own-Occupation | "Any Occupation" or "Modified Own-Occ" |
| Renewability | Non-Cancelable & Guaranteed Renewable | "Guaranteed Renewable" only (Rates can rise) |
| Partial Claims | Basic or Enhanced Residual Rider | Total Disability Required First |
1. How does the disability insurance policy determine if I’m disabled?
One of the most critical disability insurance questions is how the policy determines whether you are disabled. The best plans define disability as a sickness or injury that prevents you from performing the duties of your own occupation or medical/dental specialty at that time. This definition should apply for the duration of the claim, not just for one or two years.
2. If disabled, can I earn an income in a different occupation?
The most comprehensive policies allow you to earn an unlimited income in a different occupation while on claim; others put a limit on how much you can earn.
3. When do disability insurance benefits begin?
The length of time that must elapse from the date of disability until benefits are paid is called the elimination period. Options are 60, 90, 180, and 365 days. The most common with long term disability insurance is 90 days.
4. How long do benefits last?
The maximum length of time benefits will be paid is called the benefit period. Depending on the insurance company, options are 5 years, 10 years, to age 65, 67, or 70 and to age 65 with lifetime extension. The most common benefit period is to age 65.
5. Are partial disabilities covered?
6. Will the benefit keep pace with inflation?
An optional rider that increases the monthly benefit during each year of disability to keep pace with inflation is called the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Depending on the policy, the increase is either a fixed amount or based on the consumer price index. This is an important policy feature in long term disability insurance because during an extended claim, inflation could double the amount of income needed for living expenses.
7. Is there a guarantee I can buy more coverage?
An optional rider that allows you to increase your monthly disability benefit at some point in the future, regardless of health status, is called the Future Insurability Option (FIO). This is a valuable benefit if you expect your income to increase in the future.
8. Can the insurance company change or cancel my policy?
Broker's "Insider" Tip
Don't fixate on the premium alone. A "cheaper" policy often saves you money by removing the True Own-Occupation definition or limiting mental health coverage to 24 months.
When comparing quotes, always look at the "Internal Rate of Return" on the policy benefits vs. the premium cost. For a surgeon or dentist, paying 15% more for a policy that covers a partial disability (Residual Rider) can mean a difference of millions in potential payout over a career.
Get the Right Coverage for Peace of Mind
No one expects to become disabled, but having the right coverage ensures financial stability if the unexpected happens. By asking these disability insurance questions, you can make an informed decision and secure a policy that protects your income and future.
Ready to protect your future?
Get a personalized side-by-side policy comparison of the leading disability insurance companies from an independent insurance broker.
