Disability Income Insurance—Myths vs. Facts
Common myths debunked.
Disability Income insurance is complicated. Therefore, it’s no surprise that it’s so commonly misunderstood. Let us debunk five common myths:
Discounted Income Protection Plans
Our individual plans provide coverage in the event you’re too sick or injured to work or to care for your family. Own and keep your policy, even if you change jobs.
- It won’t happen to me. Maybe you think it could only happen if you suffered a terrible accident, but that’s not true. Chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer and stroke are the leading cause of disability in the U.S.—not accidents. A disability can happen to anyone, at any time.
- It’s too expensive. Consider the alternative. Could you afford to be out of work for three or even five years? It’s often said that the critical question may not be “can I afford Disability Income insurance,” but rather “Can I afford not to have it?”
- My employer group policy is enough. Employer group Disability Income insurance is a great start. However, employer plans typically cover just 60% of your base salary, excluding bonuses and other compensation. Other limiting factors could also make it difficult to thrive on employer coverage alone.
- I’ll get by using other resources. Untrue unless you’re one of the fortunate few who could survive an extended period without a paycheck. Social Security only kicks in if you’re permanently disabled, and it’s difficult to qualify for benefits. Without an income stream, you could easily deplete your savings, including money you have allocated for retirement.
- I won’t qualify for coverage. It’s true that your health is probably the single most important factor that determines your eligibility for Disability Income insurance. But even if you have a health condition, there are ways to obtain coverage. For example, you may be able to purchase a policy with an exclusion for your particular condition, and in some cases, the insurer may reconsider your exclusion after a period of time.
It’s important to protect your financial future by insuring your income. Disability Income insurance can solve that problem. Connect with an Advisor to learn more.
1Guardian’s 14th Annual Workplace Benefits Study. 2025. www.guardianlife.com/reports/insuring-your-income
2Chronic diseases in America. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/about/index.html, March 4, 2025.
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