If you were to become disabled today, how would you earn your living? While medical coverage may cover those bills, you still must pay for food, utilities, the mortgage and other living expenses. Disability income insurance is designed to help replace lost income while you're disabled from injury or illness. The amount paid is usually a percentage of your salary or wages and for a specific period of time.

Essentially everyone who needs their current income to maintain their lifestyle should seriously consider disability insurance. If you are less than 60 years old, you have a greater statistical chance of becoming disabled than of dying prematurely. Each year nearly 1 in 5 people will become disabled for one year or more before the age of 65. As is the case in all insurance coverage, it must be purchased prior to your illness or injury.