When a producer asks their client to visualize a disabling event, most will imagine the same scenario: A terrible, disabling car accident that causes complete paralysis.
They picture the rest of their lives spent in a hospital with lots of breathing apparatuses, tubes, and medical professionals providing 24 hour care. Even though this is the most common scenario imagined, it is the least likely to occur.
Less than 10% of disability claims are as a result of an accidental injury.
All disabilities can fit into one or all of the following categories:
- Loss of Use – Presumptive: Permanent loss of eyesight, hearing or speech, use of hands and/or feet.
- Loss of Ability – Total: Inability to perform substantial and material duties of one’s regular occupation. Typical causes are heart attack, stroke or back-related injuries.
- Loss of Income – Partial: Loss of income due to inability to do all duties, or ability to do some duties for less time or less effectively. Partial disability may result from conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, arthritis and diabetes.
The majority of disability claims are partial in nature. It is important to always include a partial benefit or residual benefit whenever recommending income protection for your clients.
Contact your dedicated DI Specialist today to learn more about how you can offer your clients a complete income protection plan.