Part of our guide: Disability Income Insurance: Solutions, Tools and Guides →
When is the best time for a client to buy income protection? Now: before a health issue makes coverage harder to get, and before age makes it more expensive.
Key takeaways
- Disability premiums rise with age, and health changes can limit or eliminate eligibility.
- Young couples aged 25 to 45 are prime prospects: buying homes, starting families, with decades of earnings ahead.
- A 33-year-old earning $60,000 with 3% annual raises will earn about $3.5 million by age 67.
A 33-year-old earning $60,000 has about $3.5 million of future earnings ahead. That’s the asset disability insurance protects.
Why earlier is better
Premiums are based partly on age, so they’ll never be lower than today. And any new diagnosis can bring exclusions, ratings, or a decline. Buying while young and healthy locks in both price and insurability.
Who to talk to first
Young couples aged 25 to 45 are buying homes and starting families, the ideal time to build a foundation of protection. Don’t overlook single full-time earners, new homeowners, existing life insurance clients, and auto clients with higher liability limits.
Show clients what they’re really protecting
A 33-year-old earning $60,000 a year, with 3% annual raises, will earn about $3.5 million by age 67. Income is their most valuable asset. Remind them how long it took to build their savings, and how quickly a disability could drain them.
Talking points
- Explain what’s at risk: a lifetime of earnings.
- Show how disability benefits cover expenses during recovery.
- Stress timing: the premium will never be lower.
For framing the conversation, see why we call it income protection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best age to buy disability insurance?
As early in your career as possible. Premiums are lower and qualifying is easier when you’re young and healthy.
Who needs disability insurance most?
Anyone who depends on their income, especially young families, homeowners, and single earners.
How much income could a disability cost?
Potentially millions. A 33-year-old earning $60,000 with 3% raises would earn about $3.5 million by 67.
Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25
Tim Fuller
President, SRS Inc.
Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.
Connect on LinkedIn →We’re Here to Help
Have a question about what you just read, or a case you’re working on? Tell us a bit about what you need, and a member of the SRS team will follow up with you personally — no obligation, no hassle.
