The Best Disability Insurance Companies

Disability insurance provides financial protection in case you become disabled and unable to work. It can cover a portion of your lost income and help you pay for expenses like medical bills and everyday living expenses. However, not all disability insurance policies are created equal. In this article, we’ll review some of the best disability insurance companies available in the market.

What to Look for in a Disability Insurance Company

Before we delve into the top disability insurance companies, let’s first look at what factors you should consider when choosing a policy. These include:

Factor
Description
Coverage Amount
The amount of monthly benefit you’ll receive if you become disabled.
Elimination Period
The waiting period before your disability benefits kick in.
Benefit Period
The length of time you’ll receive benefits if you become disabled.
Definition of Disability
The type of disability that’s covered under the policy.
Cost
The premium you’ll pay for the policy.

The Top Disability Insurance Companies

1. Guardian Life Insurance

Guardian Life Insurance offers two types of disability insurance policies: individual and group. Their individual policy covers up to 70% of your income and has a benefit period of up to age 67. They also offer a residual disability rider, which provides partial coverage if you’re able to work part-time but not full-time. Their group policy has similar coverage options and can be customized to meet your specific needs and budget.

Guardian’s policies come with some unique features, such as their “Enhanced Partial Disability Benefit,” which pays a benefit if you’re able to work part-time but at a reduced income, and “Retirement Protection Plus,” which provides a retirement income if you become disabled and unable to save for retirement.

2. Ameritas

Ameritas offers both short-term and long-term disability insurance policies. Their policies cover up to 60% of your income and have a benefit period of up to age 67. Their policies are also guaranteed renewable, meaning they can’t be canceled as long as you pay your premiums on time.

Ameritas also offers some unique features, such as their “Own Occupation Disability Coverage,” which provides benefits if you’re unable to work in your specific occupation, and their “Return-to-Work Incentive Benefit,” which provides a lump sum payment if you’re able to return to work after a disability.

3. MassMutual

MassMutual offers both long-term and short-term disability insurance policies. Their policies cover up to 60% of your income and have a benefit period of up to age 67. They also offer a residual disability rider, which provides partial coverage if you’re able to work part-time but not full-time.

MassMutual’s policies also come with some unique features, such as their “Rehabilitation Benefit,” which provides a benefit if you need to go through a rehabilitation program to return to work, and their “Survivor Benefit,” which pays a benefit to your spouse or beneficiary if you pass away while receiving disability benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I really need disability insurance?

Yes, disability insurance is important because it provides financial protection in case you become disabled and unable to work. It can help you pay for expenses like medical bills and everyday living expenses when you’re not able to earn an income.

2. How much disability insurance do I need?

The amount of disability insurance you need depends on your income, expenses, and lifestyle. Generally, you should aim for coverage that replaces at least 60% of your income. You should also consider factors like your age, health, and occupation when choosing a policy.

3. Can I get disability insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

It depends on the insurance company and the specific condition. Some conditions may be excluded from coverage or may result in higher premiums. However, it’s still worth exploring your options and consulting with an insurance agent or financial advisor.

4. How much does disability insurance cost?

The cost of disability insurance varies depending on several factors, such as your age, health, occupation, and the coverage amount you choose. Generally, premium rates range from 1% to 4% of your annual income.

5. What’s the difference between short-term and long-term disability insurance?

Short-term disability insurance typically covers disabilities that last up to six months. Long-term disability insurance, on the other hand, covers disabilities that last longer than six months and can provide coverage for several years or even until retirement age.

In conclusion, disability insurance is an important type of insurance to consider if you want to protect your finances in case you become disabled and unable to work. When choosing a policy, be sure to consider factors like coverage amount, elimination period, benefit period, definition of disability, and cost. The top disability insurance companies we’ve reviewed in this article are a good place to start your search, but don’t hesitate to consult with an insurance agent or financial advisor for personalized advice.