Business Insurance Online :: Articles

Who Needs Disability Insurance?

Why is disability insurance important for those who aren't financially independent?

Who Needs Disability Insurance?

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

If you are like most people on this planet, you are not financially free. You would not be able to stop working and still support yourself and your family from your financial resources. Your continued ability to work to earn an income would therefore be one of your greatest assets.
Your ability to work for a salary or wages would therefore be one of your greatest assets.
Have you insured this asset?
If disability suddenly stops you from being able to work, how would you earn an income?
How long would you survive without a paycheck?
If the situation described above is a cause for concern, you need disability income insurance.
You can become disabled either from an accident or for medical reasons.
One life insurance company defines disability as "the inability of the life assured to perform any part of any occupation in which he was engaged immediately before the onset of the incident
Insuring your most valuable asset
Image for Insuring your most valuable assetWhile many people would consider their home or their car to be their most valuable asset, it's your ability to earn an income that is most important in shaping your financial future. Statistically, two thirds of working Australians will suffer an injury or illness that will sideline them for 90 days or more. The majority of these people would not be able to pay their mortgage or meet car finance and other loan commitments without adequate income insurance.
Further, the life assured must not be following any other gainful occupation"
Disability is often referred to in life insurance circles as the worse hazard, because if you become disabled: - 
  • You stop earning salaries or wages, 
  • Your life insurance policies will not pay a claim, since you didn't die, 
  • Your illness
will consume a significant portion of available funds.
Here are a few facts on disability: - 
  • Each year, 1 person in 8 will suffer disability 
  • 1/3 of all people between the ages of 30 and 64 will become disabled sometime in their lives 
  • At age 32, the chance of being disabled for 90 days is 6.5 times greater than the chance of death 
  • 75% of disabilities are caused by an illness rather than an accident 
  • Workers today are 3 times more likely to suffer a long-term disability than die during their working years 
  • The likelihood of being disabled for more
than 3 months is greater than dying in any given year
As you can see, the risk of disability due to illness or injury is great.
The cost of not being prepared is severe. Why take the chance? Even substantial savings can run out quickly if it is your only source of financial support.
If you are like most people who need to work in exchange for money, there is a need to protect one of your most valuable assets, i.e. your ability to earn an income.
Disability income insurance should therefore, be an important part of your long-term financial security plans.
It can help to secure your dreams, lifestyle and income, regardless of your occupation or industry.
This valuable income replacement plan is available from your local life insurance companies.
Call your life insurance advisor or enquire online for more information on this useful long-term financial security plan.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: 151


Insurance News

Rising Insurance Premiums and Declining Profits in Australia
Rising Insurance Premiums and Declining Profits in Australia
25 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent findings from KPMG's annual review of the general insurance industry reveal a concerning trend for Australian businesses: insurance premiums are on the rise, while industry profits are experiencing a downturn. This development is largely attributed to the escalating costs associated with natural disasters. - read more
Essential Business Insurance Trends for Australian SMEs in 2026
Essential Business Insurance Trends for Australian SMEs in 2026
25 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
As Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) approach 2026, the business insurance landscape is undergoing significant transformations. Understanding these emerging trends is vital for SMEs to ensure adequate protection and compliance. Here are five key insurance trends shaping the SME sector: - read more
MetLife Calls on Advisers to Reevaluate Business Insurance for SMEs
MetLife Calls on Advisers to Reevaluate Business Insurance for SMEs
25 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
MetLife Australia has highlighted a critical concern: a significant number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lack appropriate insurance coverage, posing risks to both business continuity and the financial security of owners and employees. With over two million small businesses in Australia, many of which are owned by individuals over 50, the need for comprehensive business insurance is more pressing than ever. - read more
Deloitte's 2026 Insurance Predictions: Key Trends Shaping the Future
Deloitte's 2026 Insurance Predictions: Key Trends Shaping the Future
17 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
As Australia's insurance industry stands on the cusp of significant transformation, Deloitte's latest report, 'Insurance Predictions 2026,' offers a comprehensive analysis of the key trends poised to reshape the sector. The report underscores the imperative for insurers to adapt to rapid technological advancements, escalating climate risks, and evolving regulatory landscapes. - read more
APRA Warns of Heightened Risks in Australia's Insurance Industry
APRA Warns of Heightened Risks in Australia's Insurance Industry
17 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has recently issued a cautionary statement regarding the elevated risks confronting the nation's insurance sector. This alert underscores the necessity for insurers to bolster their resilience against a backdrop of climate hazards, cyber incidents, and global geopolitical tensions. - read more
Business Insurance Articles

Must-Have Insurance Policies for Australian SMEs in 2025
Must-Have Insurance Policies for Australian SMEs in 2025
In today's rapidly evolving business environment, insurance has become an essential component for the survival and success of small to medium enterprises (SMEs). As businesses navigate through uncertainties, unexpected events can pose significant threats. Insurance not only provides a safety net but also conveys a sense of stability and trust to partners and customers. - read more
Understanding Liability Insurance: A Guide for Small Business Owners
Understanding Liability Insurance: A Guide for Small Business Owners
Liability insurance is a type of coverage that protects businesses from financial losses due to claims of injury, harm, or damages made by third parties. This insurance is crucial for covering legal costs and compensation that might arise from such claims. - read more
Navigating Cyber Threats: Essential Cyber Insurance for Your Start-up
Navigating Cyber Threats: Essential Cyber Insurance for Your Start-up
Starting a new business venture is an exciting endeavor, but amid the myriad decisions start-up founders face, one must not overlook the importance of insurance. In today's digital-first world, the potential for cyber threats is a reality that can no longer be ignored by businesses of any size or sector, especially start-ups aiming to secure their future. - read more
Avoiding Underinsurance: How to Adequately Cover Your Growing Business
Avoiding Underinsurance: How to Adequately Cover Your Growing Business
When it comes to protecting the vitality and financial health of a growing business, insurance is a keystone. Yet, amidst the day-to-day hustle of driving your business forward, it's surprisingly easy to overlook the adequacy of your insurance policies - a misstep that can lead to the perilous state of underinsurance. In this article, we will delve into the essential knowledge and strategies to ensure your business is sufficiently covered, shielding it from unexpected setbacks and losses. - read more
The Top 5 Insurance Policies Every Australian Start-up Needs
The Top 5 Insurance Policies Every Australian Start-up Needs
When embarking on the entrepreneurial journey of a start-up, it's imperative to safeguard the nascent enterprise with a reliable insurance safety net. Insurance acts as a vital shield, protecting the hard work and innovation of new businesses against unforeseen events and liabilities which can arise in the unpredictable world of start-ups. - read more

Knowledgebase
Grace Period:
A time period after the premium is due during which an insurance policy remains in force even if the premium has not yet been paid.