Part of our guide: Disability Income Insurance: Solutions, Tools and Guides →
Disability underwriting has a reputation for being slow and invasive. Simplified issue programs change that for many clients, but they’re not always the best choice. Here’s how to decide.
Key takeaways
- Simplified issue DI can require no exam, labs, or tax returns, just an application and a short phone interview.
- Some policies issue within about 48 hours of the interview.
- One program allows business owners 50 and under up to $25,000 a month combined: $15,000 of BOE plus $10,000 of individual DI.
No exam, no blood, no tax returns — a 15-minute phone interview, and the policy can be issued in about 48 hours.
How simplified issue works
After the application is submitted, the client completes a phone interview of about 15 minutes. With no exam, blood, urine, or tax returns required (financial documents may still be needed in some states, such as California), policies can often be issued within about 48 hours. Coverage is typically non-cancelable and guaranteed renewable to 65.
What’s available
One program lets business owners age 50 and under buy up to $15,000 a month of business overhead expense coverage plus $10,000 a month of individual protection, a total of $25,000 of monthly benefit, with issue ages to 64. Simplified limits are usually lower for older ages and some occupations.
When to use simplified issue
- Healthy clients who need coverage quickly or dislike exams
- Business owners with group LTD caps below 60% of pay
- Supplementing existing coverage within simplified limits
When full underwriting is better
- Benefits above simplified issue limits
- Clients who want the richest contract provisions or lowest price available
- Clients with health history that may be rated or excluded; full underwriting can sometimes produce a better result
See seven things to know about underwriting DI cases.
Frequently asked questions
What is simplified issue disability insurance?
Coverage issued with limited underwriting, often just an application and phone interview, without exams, labs, or tax returns.
How fast can simplified issue disability insurance be issued?
Often within about 48 hours after the phone interview.
Is simplified issue disability insurance more expensive?
Not necessarily, but benefit limits are lower, and fully underwritten policies may offer better pricing or provisions for some clients.
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.
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