Why You Need Disability Insurance—Even If You’re Young and Healthy
Ask any 30- or 40-year-old what their most valuable asset is, and you might hear “my house” or “my 401(k).” But the reality is this: your future income is your most important asset. And disability insurance is the only thing that protects it.
Every year, thousands of working professionals face unexpected illnesses or injuries that prevent them from working—sometimes for months or years. If you’re not prepared, that lost income could derail your savings, force lifestyle changes, and impact your long-term goals.
“I’m Young and Healthy—Do I Really Need This?”
Yes. In fact, this is the best time to apply.
Why? Because disability insurance premiums are lower when you’re younger and healthier—and you’re more likely to qualify for own-occupation protection and non-cancelable terms. You also avoid the risk of waiting until after a health issue disqualifies you.
Even short-term disabilities—like cancer treatments, surgeries, or stress-related disorders—can wipe out savings fast. The earlier you lock in coverage, the more secure your financial foundation will be.
What It Covers (and Why It’s Worth It)
Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income—often up to 60%—if you’re unable to work due to injury or illness. This can help you:
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Maintain your lifestyle
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Continue saving for retirement
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Avoid dipping into savings or racking up debt
At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we help professionals and business owners build custom disability plans that align with their income, occupation, and long-term goals.
Visit our disability insurance page here:
https://www.diversifiedquotes.com/services/disability-insurance/
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Ready to explore insurance and annuity options that offer guaranteed income, principal protection, disability, life insurance, Social Security and Medicare reviews, and long-term financial growth? Let the expert advisors at Diversified Insurance Brokers help you find the right strategy for your retirement goals.
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FAQs: Why You Need Disability Insurance
What is disability insurance and why is it important?
Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income if illness or injury prevents you from working. It protects your ability to pay bills, maintain your lifestyle, and keep long-term financial plans on track while you recover.
Isn’t Social Security Disability enough?
No. Social Security Disability has strict qualification criteria and typically pays much less than most people earn. Private disability insurance offers faster, more reliable, and more substantial income protection.
What expenses continue even if I’m disabled?
Mortgage or rent, utilities, food, insurance premiums, childcare, transportation, loans, and other everyday expenses continue whether you’re working or not. Disability insurance ensures those expenses can still be covered.
Do I need disability insurance if I have savings?
Most people do not have enough savings to cover a long-term disability. Disabilities lasting three months or more are more common than most people realize, and income replacement helps prevent draining emergency or retirement funds.
What’s the difference between short-term and long-term disability insurance?
Short-term disability covers temporary conditions lasting weeks to months. Long-term disability covers longer-lasting or permanent conditions and protects your income for years—or even to retirement age.
What does “own-occupation” disability coverage mean?
Own-occupation coverage pays benefits if you cannot perform the specific duties of your current profession, even if you could work in another job. It’s especially valuable for professionals, specialists, and higher-income earners.
Does my employer-provided disability coverage offer enough protection?
Employer plans often have income caps, may exclude bonuses or commissions, and may tax your benefits if the employer pays the premium. Many people supplement their group plan with an individual policy for full protection.
How much disability insurance do I need?
Most people insure 60%–70% of their income, but needs vary based on expenses, debt, dependents, and lifestyle. The goal is to ensure your essential financial obligations are covered without dipping into long-term savings.
Can self-employed individuals get disability insurance?
Yes. Self-employed individuals can purchase individual policies that replace income and help keep their business running during a disability. Some policies even include business overhead expense (BOE) coverage.
How do I choose the right disability insurance policy?
Look at benefit amounts, waiting periods, contract definitions, riders, and the financial strength of the insurer. Comparing multiple carriers ensures you get the right coverage at the right price.
About the Author:
Jason Stolz, CLTC, CRPC and Chief Underwriter at Diversified Insurance Brokers, is a senior insurance and retirement professional with more than two decades of real-world experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their income, assets, and long-term financial stability. As a long-time partner of the nationally licensed independent agency Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jason provides trusted guidance across multiple specialties—including fixed and indexed annuities, long-term care planning, personal and business disability insurance, life insurance solutions, and short-term health coverage. Diversified Insurance Brokers maintains active contracts with over 100 highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring clients have access to a broad and competitive marketplace.
His practical, education-first approach has earned recognition in publications such as VoyageATL, highlighting his commitment to financial clarity and client-focused planning. Drawing on deep product knowledge and years of hands-on field experience, Jason helps clients evaluate carriers, compare strategies, and build retirement and protection plans that are both secure and cost-efficient.
