We've been helping people buy the right type of disability insurance for over 20 years. During that time, we've received more requests for quotes for disability insurance for nurses than from any other occupation. We've worked with thousands of nurses, and we know that you see people who are sick or hurt and not going back to work every day. Their income is affected and you know that it can happen to anyone. That's why you are one of the occupations most likely to buy a disability insurance policy - you see it on a daily basis!
The Policy Has to Be Affordable
This seems like it goes without saying, but if you've been shopping for a disability insurance policy, you are likely to have some sticker shock. Many of the policies you will find contain provisions that might be well suited to a surgeon, but may also be too much for an RN. It is important to get a good quality policy with a strong company, but you may not benefit from some of the more costly options.
Here's what we have found works for most nurses:
- Two-Year True Own Occupation - This definition of disability is perfect for nurses. In the first two years of a claim, you can elect to work in another occupation and still receive full total disability benefits from your policy - just like the best own occupation policies available. After two years of a claim, the policy changes to a modified own occupation definition where you continue to be paid only if you've chosen not to work in any occupation. At no time are you forced back to work - it is completely up to you.
- Short Term Residual Disability Benefit Rider - This feature ensures that you're paid a benefit if you're recovering from a total disability and working again for fewer hours or if it takes you longer to do some of the tasks you used to do. You receive benefits for up to 6 months to help you transition back into your occupation.
- Social Insurance Substitute Rider - This is a way for you to reduce the cost of your coverage and still maintain a level of coverage suitable for your income.
- Serious Illness Supplemental Benefit - This is a feature only available through Guardian1 and is one of the major attractions for nurses. If you become totally disabled from cancer, a stroke, or a heart attack, after you’ve satisfied the elimination period, you'll receive an additional 50% of your monthly benefit, above and beyond your regular monthly benefit, for up to 12 months over the life of your policy.
1Disability insurance products offered by Berkshire Life Insurance Company of America (BLICOA), a Guardian company