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

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.


Insurance News

What Strong Insurer Results Mean for Business Insurance Renewals
What Strong Insurer Results Mean for Business Insurance Renewals
05 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Latest general insurance performance data from APRA points to an industry that remains financially resilient, with insurers benefiting from disciplined underwriting, investment income and a continued focus on pricing risk accurately. For Australian small and medium-sized businesses, that is useful context heading into renewal season, but it should not be read as a simple promise of cheaper premiums. - read more
What Rising Insurance Disputes Mean for Small Businesses
What Rising Insurance Disputes Mean for Small Businesses
29 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent industry reporting on the latest insurance complaints environment points to a clear message for Australian small businesses: the hardest part of insurance is often not buying a policy, but relying on it when something goes wrong. Disputes continue to arise around claim delays, declined claims, settlement amounts, policy exclusions and communication breakdowns between customers and insurers. - read more
Why SMEs should double-check AI insurance advice
Why SMEs should double-check AI insurance advice
22 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian businesses are increasingly using AI tools to research products, shortlist providers and understand policy options. That convenience now comes with a clear warning for small business owners: not every insurance answer surfaced by AI search is coming from a licensed, accountable or locally relevant source. - read more
Lifeline Breach Puts Cyber Cover Back on the SME Agenda
Lifeline Breach Puts Cyber Cover Back on the SME Agenda
15 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
A reported data breach involving Lifeline Australia has renewed attention on a widening protection gap in the Australian cyber insurance market. While Lifeline has indicated that help-seeker and financial information were not compromised, the incident is a timely reminder that staff, volunteer, client and supplier data can still create serious legal, operational and reputational exposure for any organisation. - read more
Could NSW Levy Reform Make Insurance More Affordable for Small Business?
Could NSW Levy Reform Make Insurance More Affordable for Small Business?
08 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori
New analysis released by the Insurance Council of Australia has put renewed attention on a major cost pressure for NSW businesses: the emergency services levy, commonly known as the ESL. The levy is currently collected through insurance premiums, meaning businesses that choose to insure their assets can face a higher cost for doing so. - read more
Business Insurance Articles

Is Your Business Protected? The Importance of Comprehensive Insurance
Is Your Business Protected? The Importance of Comprehensive Insurance
Running a business in Australia comes with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. One of the most crucial aspects of ensuring your business thrives is having comprehensive insurance in place. But what exactly does 'comprehensive insurance' mean for your business? - read more
Cybersecurity Risk Assessment: An Essential Guide for Business Owners
Cybersecurity Risk Assessment: An Essential Guide for Business Owners
In today's digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. The increasing reliance on technology means that cyber threats are more prevalent than ever, making it essential for business owners to understand and manage these risks. - read more
5 Common Insurance Mistakes Startups Make and How to Avoid Them
5 Common Insurance Mistakes Startups Make and How to Avoid Them
Starting a new business is an exciting and challenging endeavor, particularly in the vibrant and innovative startup landscape of Australia. However, amidst the rush of ideas and the race to launch, many startups overlook the crucial aspect of insurance. Insurance is not merely an additional cost but a vital protective measure that safeguards your emerging business against unforeseen hurdles. - read more
Cash Flow Management Strategies for Small Business Sustainability
Cash Flow Management Strategies for Small Business Sustainability
Understanding the ebbs and flows of your business finances is more than just knowing numbers; it's a vital component of your small business's longevity and success. In the ever-dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, cash flow management emerges as a centerpiece in the grand puzzle of sustainability. Small businesses, with their limited resources, often face the pronounced challenge of maintaining a healthy financial heartbeat to thrive and grow. - read more
Common Insurance Mistakes Small Business Owners Should Avoid
Common Insurance Mistakes Small Business Owners Should Avoid
Running a small business in Australia comes with its unique set of challenges and risks. One crucial aspect that every small business owner must consider is liability insurance. Liability insurance is designed to protect businesses from various claims and lawsuits that can arise in the course of their operations. Whether it's a customer slipping and falling in a store or a disgruntled employee filing a lawsuit, having the right insurance can provide a financial safety net. - read more

Knowledgebase
Double Indemnity:
A clause or provision in a life insurance policy that doubles the payout in cases of accidental death.