Individual disability insurance is a type of private insurance – different from the more common group disability insurance. Unlike group disability insurance, individual disability insurance is not governed by ERISA, an unforgiving and complicated federal benefits law. Individual disability insurance claims are less common than ERISA claims, but the law governing individual claims is more straightforward and balanced.
Many professionals, independent contractors, and the self-employed purchase individual disability insurance (often from a broker or through a professional association). For example, physicians, dentists, accountants, entrepreneurs, drivers, and other professionals opt to carry their own private disability insurance.
Unlike group disability insurance, individual disability insurance is not tied to a specific employer. If you have an individual policy, you maintain your coverage by personally paying the monthly premium, regardless of where or for whom you are working. Northwestern Mutual, Guardian, Unum, Ameritas, Great West, and Lloyd’s are examples of insurance companies that offer individual disability insurance.
Individual disability insurance typically covers you when you cannot perform your own occupation. For example, a surgeon suffering from severe carpal tunnel may be entitled to benefits if he or she can no longer perform surgeries. Individual disability insurance is designed to provide financial security in this type of situation.
If you are looking for help initiating an individual disability claim, we can help. The application and claims process can be complicated. There are common mistakes that can slow the process or result in avoidable denial. We represent clients throughout this process to develop and carefully present evidence to the insurance company.
Of course, insurance companies do not always approve claims. This can be due to the insurance company’s interpretation of medical records or due to the insurance company’s interpretation of the disability insurance policy (contract). It can also be due to a lack of records that document the individual’s earnings, financial history, or occupational information.
If an insurance company has denied your claim, you have a right to appeal and continue pursuing that claim. Insurance companies scrutinize and deny claims in a particular way. We will work with you to develop and obtain evidence toward your appeal and, in some cases, toward litigation. Call today to learn more.
(816) 781-4836