Posts Tagged ‘Stress’

Gaurd Yourself Against The Financial Impacts Brought On By Disability

Sunday, June 8th, 2008

Although we do not like to plan for accident or injury, these things happen and it’s a disability insurance plan that will help you out of this situation; when you have financial responsibilities you need to have an income if you are incapacitated. Often the biggest strain when you are unable to work is that knowing you must try and recover as quickly as possible for the sake of your family. Statistics show that someone is more likely to have an extended period from work, owing to accident or injury, and need disability cover, than they are to die before they reach 65 years old.

The strange fact is that although the risk of death is lower than disability, more people organize life insurance policies than disability coverage. Despite statistics showing that a middle aged worker has a greater chance of needing a 3 month break from work because of an accident as opposed to dying before they reach 65, is almost impossible. Like all types of health protection, searching for the best disability insurance rates is imperative.

Some of the factors required to assess the premium include the age and health of the applicant but the largest part to calculate is how much income they will need whilst they are incapacitated. One method of lowering the policy premium is arranging for the plan to ‘kick in’ only after the incapacity has lasted for a set period of time. the provider would be less at risk if was only a short term incapacity. A reduced period of cover option would also reduce the premium; although you need to bear in mind that once your period of benefit ceases you would have to support yourself.

Insurance company policies will differ but the majority will only pay a percentage of your lost income so it is a good idea to choose the best one for you and in this instance, the cheapest may not necessarily be the best. The two main types are short term and total disability insurance; the short term will only cover a set number of months but may have improved benefits. The other option is total disability cover; this can provide a long term (but reduced) income although this is only granted if the person can show they are no longer able to carry out their previous job.

Irrespective of the circumstances, when a person is approved for these payments they may receive them weekly or every calendar month. Other key points to consider when looking into health policies are if there are restrictions on:

  • Restrictions on Pre-existing medical conditions
  • Whether you will have to pay tax on the benefit
  • Time frames before benefits are terminated
  • Are you employed in a high risk occupation?

You cannot expect the same level of income cover in your disability insurance plan from each company so you need to check this carefully first. The cover they supply can be anywhere between forty to seventy percent of the original salary, which is quite a difference. It is the number one factor that will define what your income will be in case you become disabled.


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