Supplemental Disability Insurance

Last updated: December 9, 2025 Recently updated

Supplemental Disability Insurance Guide

Additional coverage to supplement employer-provided disability benefits

Not sure what coverage you need? Take our free 2-minute quiz to get personalized insurance recommendations.

What is Supplemental Disability Insurance?

Supplemental Disability Insurance provides essential protection for you and your family. Understanding how it works helps you make better coverage decisions.

Key Features

Coverage details and benefits
What’s typically included
Common exclusions to be aware of
Cost factors that affect premiums

Who Needs Supplemental Disability Insurance?

Learn whether this type of coverage is right for your situation and how to determine the appropriate coverage amount.

How to Choose a Policy

Tips for comparing policies, understanding terms, and finding the best value for your needs.

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Long-Term Disability Insurance - Primary long-term coverage
Short-Term Disability Insurance - Primary short-term coverage

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about supplemental disability insurance answered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is supplemental disability insurance?

Supplemental disability insurance adds to existing coverage (like employer-provided disability) to increase your total benefit amount or improve coverage terms. Since employer policies often replace only 60% of base salary (excluding bonuses), supplemental coverage can fill the gap.

Why might I need supplemental disability coverage?

Group disability through work may be insufficient: it often covers only base salary (not bonuses or commissions), may have benefit caps, uses any-occupation definition, and ends when you leave the job. Supplemental individual coverage is portable, can provide own-occupation protection, and ensures adequate income replacement.

Can I get disability insurance if I already have a health condition?

Yes, but it depends on the condition. Pre-existing conditions may be excluded from coverage or result in higher premiums. Some insurers specialize in covering people with health issues. Guaranteed-issue group policies don’t require medical underwriting but may have limitations.