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6 Disability Insurance Basics That You Need to Know

What if you become disabled and can’t practice dentistry for a period of time?

If you can't work, you can't earn an income. Considering that you have a 1-in-4 chance of becoming disabled before you retire,1 you can see why it's so important for ADA members to have disability income protection insurance.

Here are 6 important factors that you need to think about when you're choosing a disability insurance plan:

1. TRUE "OWN OCCUPATION" COVERAGE

This important feature pays 100% of your benefits if you're disabled, even if you're able to practice in another area of dentistry or in another profession. It's important to note that some providers will offer this coverage as an optional enhancement and may require you to pay an additional amount for it.

2. YOUR INSURABILITY

Your insurability is largely determined by your age and health. The younger and healthier you are, the easier it is to get insurance and the less it will cost you. Other factors can also impact your insurability, such as whether or not you smoke.

3. RIDERS

Riders are extra features that can be added to your policy for an additional fee to enhance your coverage for your specific needs and wants. Common riders include:

  • Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) – Increases benefits while you're on claim to keep pace with inflation
  • Residual Plus – Provides benefits without being totally disabled
  • Future Increase – Allows you to get more coverage in the future without a medical exam

4. COSTS

A number of factors can affect your premiums, such as your age, the amount of coverage you choose, features of coverage and riders, as well as the waiting period. You'll generally have the option of waiting 30, 60, 90 or 180 days before you start to receive benefits. Another factor is how your premium is charged – either level or graded. Level premiums may start a little higher, but then they stay the same for the life of the policy. Graded premiums start low and gradually increase every year based on age.

5. BENEFIT PERIOD

A benefit period is the maximum duration for payment of disability insurance benefits. Most policies will provide benefits up to age 65, and some to age 67.


While you're looking into disability insurance, be sure to review:

1Odds of disability are based on actual disability claims submitted to Protective by insured ADA members.

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