Story at-a-glance
- Disability can strike anytime, and most group policies don’t offer enough coverage.
- Own-occupation disability insurance protects your income if you can’t do your specific job—even if you work elsewhere.
- To choose the right coverage, calculate your monthly income × average disability duration.
- Group plans often replace only 30–40% of your income after taxes.
- High-income earners, especially physicians and specialists, need custom protection to avoid major income loss.
You work hard. You’ve spent years mastering your profession. But what happens if you can’t work tomorrow?
Most people think, “I’m healthy, I’ll be fine.” Until they’re not.
Look, disabilities don’t discriminate—they can hit anyone, anytime. And when they do, your ability to earn stops cold… unless you’ve got the right coverage.
Your “Umbrella” Needs to Be Big Enough
Dave Ramsey says, “It’s gonna rain. You need an umbrella.”
But here’s what he doesn’t say: If your umbrella is too small, you’re still getting soaked.
That’s exactly how own-occupation disability insurance works. It’s not just about having some coverage—it’s about having the right amount so your income doesn’t take a hit if you can’t work.
How Big Should Your “Umbrella” Be?
It’s simple. You need enough to cover:
✅ Your monthly cost of living
✅ Your monthly income
✅ The average length of a long-term disability
Here’s the formula:
Your monthly income × average disability duration = How much coverage you need
For most high-income earners, that’s a six-figure hole if you’re not covered properly.
And if you’re a doctor, dentist, or specialist, your risk is even higher—because your skillset doesn’t transfer to a desk job.
“But I Have Group Disability Insurance”
Cool. That’s like a tiny umbrella in a hurricane.
Group policies only cover 50-60% of your income (and it’s taxable). That means you’re looking at 30-40% of your paycheck—and that’s before expenses start piling up.
Own-occupation disability insurance pays you if you can’t do YOUR job, even if you work in another field. That’s the difference between surviving and thriving.
How to Lock in the Right Coverage Today
1️⃣ Get your numbers: Monthly expenses, income, and disability risk
2️⃣ Compare apples to apples: Not all policies are created equal
3️⃣ Talk to an expert: Get a custom strategy that works for you
This isn’t optional. If you lose your ability to work, you don’t just lose your paycheck—you lose everything you built.
Don’t leave yourself exposed. Get the right own-occupation disability insurance now.
Ready to protect your future?
Get a personalized side-by-side policy comparison of the leading disability insurance companies from an independent insurance broker.
