Individual Short Term Disability Insurance
2025 Pricing Survey
Product | Benefit Amount | Elimination Period | Benefit Period | Monthly Premium | CTA graphic URL |
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The Product is what was used in the sampling. The survey is limited to products that satisfy all of the following criteria:
(A) Available to individuals on a standalone basis (outside of an employer) and
(B) Is 24 hour coverage (on and off-job) and
(C) Covers both accidents and illness.
The Elimination Period is the amount of time the insured must be disabled before benefits begin to accrue.
The Benefit Period is how long benefits can last. "Short Term" is generally regarded as three (3) to six (6) months of benefits, but some products can be configured to provide up to two (2) years of benefits and still fit within a given state's regulatory meaning of Short Term Disability Insurance. For longer Benefit Periods, refer to Long Term Disability insurance.
The Monthly Premium makes some assumptions for survey purposes. Consumers can use survey data as a starting point for establishing approximate cost with the understanding that accurate pricing will depend on the individual particulars of how a person works within their occupational specialty, lifestyle and health.
Frequently Asked Question
Does Short Term Disability Insurance pay benefits for pregnancy?
Short term disability insurance does cover pregnancy subject to at least one of the following conditions, depending on the product:
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the policy may cover only complications of pregnancy, not normal pregnancy, or
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a longer Elimination Period (i.e., 90 days as measured from the first day of disability) may be required before benefits begin to accrue, or
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there may be a temporary pregnancy exclusion for the first 9-12 months of the policy's existence, or
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it may be an employee benefit, or
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there may be a pre-existing condition limitation.
When purchased individually, qualifying for a policy is subject to a review of medical information which involves a questionnaire. Medical questionnaires may ask about:
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Current pregnancy
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History of pregnancy complications
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Fertility treatment
If currently pregnant, insurers may take one of two actions: (1) issue the policy with an exclusion amendment for pregnancy and complications or (2) postpone making an underwriting decision until three months after delivery, at which time coverage is made available on the same basis as it would for any other applicant. A few products don't screen for pregnancy at all, which is made possible by policy limitations (discussed above).
If the applicant has a history of pregnancy complications, complications are likely to be excluded by amendment regardless of how the pregnancy question is answered due to higher risk of complications with a possible future pregnancy. If there is a history of pregnancy complications, placement decisions may favor an insurer that doesn't ask.
Fertility treatment can trigger an exclusion amendment for pregnancy complications, however some carriers are more liberal on fertility treatment than others. Not all insurers are concerned with this.
How to Purchase
To consider a purchase, fill out the intake form below so that a recommendation can be made that takes into account your needs, qualifications, and preferences. Some of the questions relate to:
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exact occupation and specialty
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how duties are performed
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scope of responsibilities
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work environment
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experience
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employer's industry, workforce size and how well established
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employment relationship and longevity
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education
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earnings history
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lifestyle
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your comfort level with specific informational requirements the insurer may ask of you, and what background checks insurers use to base approval decisions on.
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Intake Form