These stories highlight a critical truth: Disability often strikes early in a career, when potential earnings are highest but savings are lowest. Here is the math behind these claims:
| Case Study | Age at Claim | Career Stage | Potential Income Protected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meredith (Brain Tumor) | 30 | Early Career | $5M - $8M (Lifetime) |
| Bill (Car Accident) | 32 | Building Practice | $4M - $6M (Lifetime) |
| Tim (Aneurysm) | Mid-Career | Business Owner | Business Solvency |
Bill Reid
Bill was 32 when a horrific car accident nearly claimed his life. Short-term memory loss has made it impossible for him to return to work. Fortunately, he had disability insurance, which has enabled him to maintain the same lifestyle he had before the accident.
Meredith Moore
At 30, Meredith Moore found out she had a malignant brain tumor, which required three brain surgeries and chemotherapy. Disability insurance benefits replaced 60% of her income, delivering financial relief to her family and allowing her to focus on her recovery.
Tim Meredith
When he made the leap to opening his own business, Tim Meredith and his insurance agent put a full range of personal and business insurance in place. It’s this careful and comprehensive planning that saved his business and his family from financial ruin when he suffered a life-threatened aneurism and was unable to work.
Tullos Disability
What Do These Stories Have in Common?
None of these professionals expected to be disabled. They were young, healthy, and successful. The common thread is that they secured coverage before they needed it.
The Lesson: You cannot buy fire insurance while your house is burning. If you are currently healthy, you have an asset (your insurability) that you must lock in today.
Ready to protect your future?
Get a personalized side-by-side policy comparison of the leading disability insurance companies from an independent insurance broker.

