Insurance, needless to say, is a very well known word in the whole world. Not only Life insurance, Vehicle insurance, Building insurance, people today go for even body parts insurance, say eyes or voice insurance. And talking about Disability Insurance, it is definitely one of the much sought after types of insurance.
This insurance, justifying its name, helps the policyholder to take care of his or her necessities when the person fails to attend work due to illness or injury. Some surveys show that one in three people becomes disabled at the age of 35; they get disabled minimum for three months before attaining the age of 65; and one in ten may face permanent disability. This type of coverage will, undoubtedly, solve some of your financial problems such as medical and rehabilitation expenses.
Generally, disability insurance is available in two kinds: short term disability insurance and long term disability insurance. Long-term insurance covers periods more than six months till the time of retirement. No insurance company will offer coverage of 100% of your income fearing that you will not go back to work even after becoming fully fit. Short-term disability insurance covers 40% to 60% of the policyholder’s actual income
while long-term insurance will offer 75% to 80% on a tax-free basis. Therefore, it is wise to get as much coverage as possible.
Either, people can go for disability insurance issued by the government or get it as insurance package provided by their employers. Mostly, the insurance coverage provided by the employer ends at the time of termination of one’s job. Several US States are able to manage public disability insurance coverage policy financed by payroll taxes.
Again, you have to look into several important factors while choosing a disability insurance policy. Such factors as total disability and renewability have to be considered carefully.
Choose the policy that provides the clause that the insurance company cannot cancel or raise your premiums so that you will not be forced to cancel it. Better look for a non-cancelable policy or guaranteed renewable policy. With this policy you will not be singled out and the raise in premiums could be done only with the consent of the whole class of insured people. Conditionally renewable policies are also welcome.
Other policies needed to be taken into consideration are residual insurance-- for hardworking lot falling ill or getting injured; presumptive insurance-- protecting severely affected ones; and recurring insurance-- for helping people who, after recovery, become disabled again.
Also, elimination as well as benefit periods and policy exclusions ought to be keenly studied. To promote disability insurance, various optional riders such as cost of living, are available. The additional clauses also comprise automatic increase rider, social-insurance-substitute-rider and residual-disability insurance. So, know everything about the policy before going for it. An informed choice is always a better choice.
By: Javier Fuller