Protect Your Paycheck When You Can't Work
Your ability to earn an income is your most valuable asset. Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income if illness or injury keeps you from working — so your bills don't stop just because your paycheck does.
Why Disability Coverage
1 in 4 Workers Will Experience a Disability Before Retirement.
Most people insure their car, home, and health — but forget to protect the income that pays for all of it. Disability insurance is the safety net that keeps everything else intact.
Short-Term Disability (STD)
Covers a portion of your income for a shorter period — typically 3 to 6 months — after a waiting period of 0–14 days. Ideal for recovery from surgery, illness, or injury.
Long-Term Disability (LTD)
Kicks in after short-term coverage ends and can pay benefits for years — or until retirement age — if you're unable to return to work.
Income Replacement
Most policies replace 60–70% of your pre-disability income, tax-free if you pay the premiums yourself, helping you maintain your lifestyle during recovery.
Own-Occupation Coverage
The gold standard — pays benefits if you can't perform the duties of your specific occupation, even if you could work in a different field.
Group & Individual Plans
Employer-sponsored group plans are a great start, but individual policies are portable and often offer stronger own-occupation definitions.
Covers Illness & Injury
Disability isn't just accidents — the majority of claims are from illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and musculoskeletal conditions. Both are covered.
STD vs. LTD
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Disability
Both types of coverage serve different purposes — and together they provide complete income protection.
| Feature | Short-Term Disability | Long-Term Disability |
|---|---|---|
| Benefit period | 3–6 months | 2 years to age 65 |
| Elimination (waiting) period | 0–14 days | 90–180 days |
| Income replacement | 60–70% of salary | 50–70% of salary |
| Own-occupation definition | Varies | Available on most plans |
| Portability | Group: no / Individual: yes | Individual plans are portable |
| Best for | Short recovery, surgery, childbirth | Serious illness, long-term injury |
"I was diagnosed with a herniated disc and couldn't work for four months. My short-term disability policy covered 65% of my salary the entire time. I don't know how we would have managed without it."
— James R.
"David helped me understand the difference between own-occupation and any-occupation coverage. That distinction alone was worth the conversation — I ended up with a much stronger policy than I had before."
— Carla M.
"As a self-employed contractor, I had no employer disability coverage. RightQuote found me an individual LTD policy that fits my budget and actually covers my occupation properly."
— Tom B.
Get Started
Get a Disability Insurance Quote
Tell us about your occupation and income and we'll find short-term and long-term disability options that protect your paycheck.
Common Questions
Disability Insurance FAQ
Related Reading
Protect Your Most Valuable Asset
Your income powers everything else in your life. Let's make sure it's protected if you can't work.