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What is disability insurance?
If you become sick or injured and cannot work, disability insurance replaces about 60% of your gross income — which generally amounts to your actual take-home pay. Since health insurance only covers your medical procedures and recovery, a disability policy is a necessary supplement to pay for your everyday bills and expenses.
It’s crucial that anyone who relies on an income for their everyday expenses gets a disability plan — getting coverage safeguards you against the risk of missing payments on your mortgage, utilities, and other bills.
→ Read more about how disability insurance works
Choosing your best disability insurance company
The best disability insurance company for you largely depends on the policy costs and your individual situation, including your occupation. Some insurance companies are better for certain professions than others, offering the best prices or most flexible options, while others may not offer you affordable rates.
Getting disability quotes from multiple companies is the best way to find the right insurer who will offer you the most affordable rates — and when it comes to getting you the best coverage, Policygenius has got your back. Our agents will work with you for free to find you a disability policy that suits your needs at the most competitive price.
→ Read more about how much disability insurance costs
What are the two main types of disability insurance?
The two types of disability insurance are short-term disability insurance and long-term disability insurance. The biggest difference between the two products is how long they last.
→ Learn more about the types of disability insurance
Short-term disability insurance is usually more affordable when purchased through an employer. Long-term disability plans are typically bought through a broker and offer the most comprehensive coverage.
Alternatives to disability insurance
If you decide that disability insurance isn’t for you, there are some substitutes that provide some level of financial coverage:
Social Security disability insurance (SSDI)
Self-funding via an emergency fund
Workers' comp
Relying on friends and family for financial support
However, these are imperfect options that may not be feasible for covering the cost of a long-term disability. For example, Social Security disability insurance is difficult to qualify for — to get benefits, you must prove that you cannot work in any job. Additionally, the benefits offered are usually too low for most people’s needs.
Meanwhile, workers’ compensation only pays out if you are injured on the job, but a majority of disabilities occur outside of the workplace. Purchasing a standalone long-term disability insurance plan is the best way to ensure you don’t lose your income if you become disabled.
Buying disability insurance is easy with Policygenius
Experts when you need them. Technology for everything else.
Get free quotes tailored to your needs
We’re a marketplace — that means we partner with top disability insurance companies to give you multiple quotes, so you can find the policy that’s right for you.
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Our expert agents work for you, not the insurance companies. You can trust them to offer unbiased advice and help you understand all your options. (Learn more about how Policygenius makes money.)
Get support every step of the way
We’re here to advocate for you, and that doesn’t end when you buy your policy. Need to update your policy or your coverage? We’ll help with that, too.
Policygenius customer reviews
The reviews are in. See what our current customers are saying about buying insurance with us.
Very easy to work with
Answered all my questions and helped me make choices and changes to best suit my needs for life insurance. Communications were always informative and timely.
Ashley B.
Caring Group of Professionals
I received everything promised. I am covered! My family is covered! Such pleasant and thoughtful professionals are here. Way to go Geniuses--PolicyGeniuses!!!
Howard
Policygenius was quick and thorough
Their updates, information, and care was very encouraging in a time were chaos and a lack of transparency seemed normal. Kudos to the staff of Policygenius.
Ralph
I thought the service from Policygenius was excellent
Very professional throughout the process. The follow up was superb, very friendly, never pushy and I felt comfortable through every step. I can't say enough good things.
Michael F.
I would do business again
I would do business again with Policygenius. They have excellent customer service support and they kept me abreast of my situation the entire time.
Rose R.
I like the fact that they were not high pressure,
Meaning they do not call you 10 x per day, or email you continuously. As a matter of fact, they only bother you when they need something.
Dixxie
They were great at keeping me informed
They were great at keeping me informed on the status of my account. Easy process.
Customer
So easy to work with and was blown away
Was a terrific experience and my agent led me straight through multiple options and helped me get an amazing price. Very impressed
Jonathan W.
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