Best Disability Insurance Companies 2025
Discover top-rated disability insurance providers to protect your income and lifestyle.
Best Disability Insurance Companies of 2025
Disability insurance is a critical but often overlooked component of financial planning. While auto, homeowners, and life insurance typically dominate conversations about essential coverage, protecting your income through disability insurance is equally important. This coverage can replace your income if you suffer a severe illness or injury that prevents you from working, ensuring you can maintain your lifestyle and meet financial obligations.
We have researched and reviewed the best disability insurance companies available today. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive coverage, affordable premiums, or specialized options for high-risk occupations, this guide will help you find the insurance provider that best fits your needs.
Our Top Picks for Best Disability Insurance
The following companies have been selected based on their coverage options, financial strength ratings, customer service, and overall value:
- Assurity — Best for High-Risk Occupations
- Breeze — Best for Affordable Insurance Premiums
- Guardian — Best for Long-Term Disability Coverage
- Mutual of Omaha — Best for Short Waiting Period
- State Farm — Best for Short-Term Disability Coverage
Best Disability Insurance Reviews
Best for High-Risk Occupations: Assurity
Assurity stands out as a specialized provider for workers in dangerous occupations that traditional insurance companies often exclude from coverage. Construction workers, machinery operators, electrical technicians, and other professionals in high-risk industries can find protection through Assurity’s comprehensive policies.
Key Features:
- Covers high-risk occupations that other providers do not
- Zero-day waiting period available, depending on policy
- Coverage is renewable to age 75 if employed full-time
- Offers quotes online
Considerations:
- Must purchase coverage through an agent
- Limited availability for Florida and Massachusetts residents
Why We Chose It: Assurity is recognized for providing coverage to workers in dangerous occupations that many other providers refuse to insure. This makes it an invaluable resource for individuals whose professions are typically considered high-risk.
Best for Affordable Insurance Premiums: Breeze
For individuals seeking comprehensive disability insurance at competitive rates, Breeze offers an attractive solution. This provider helps thousands of consumers apply for disability insurance each year and maintains high customer satisfaction ratings.
Key Features:
- Quotes from the top disability carriers to ensure competitive rates
- Helps thousands of consumers apply for disability insurance annually
- Rated Excellent on TrustPilot
- Benefit terms range from 3 months to age 67
- Choose your waiting period
- Multiple riders add flexibility to your policy
Specialization: Specializes in disability coverage for white-collar occupations.
Why We Chose It: Breeze’s commitment to competitive pricing combined with its extensive network of carriers makes it an excellent choice for those prioritizing affordability without sacrificing coverage quality.
Best for Long-Term Disability Coverage: Guardian
Guardian Life Insurance has established itself as a reputable provider of disability, accident, and critical illness insurance. The company offers comprehensive coverage options with strong financial backing and excellent customer service.
Key Features:
- Provides benefit periods that last 2, 5, or 10 years, or up to retirement age
- Spousal coverage program provides disability coverage up to $2,500 each month for stay-at-home spouses
- Highest financial strength rating from A.M. Best at A++ (Superior)
- Provides both short and long-term disability insurance
- Offers quotes online
- Many insurance riders available
- No medical exam required for supplemental coverage
- Sells own-occupation coverage as well as many insurance riders
Considerations:
- Medical exam required for most coverage options
- Must purchase coverage through an agent
- Doesn’t disclose short-term disability waiting periods
Why We Chose It: Guardian’s extensive coverage options, including spousal protection and their A++ financial strength rating, make them an excellent choice for individuals seeking comprehensive long-term disability protection. Their flexibility in benefit periods ensures coverage can be maintained throughout a person’s working years.
Best for Short Waiting Period: Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha offers disability insurance designed for individuals who want quick access to benefits following an illness or injury. Their plans feature competitive waiting periods and substantial monthly benefit options.
Key Features:
- Short waiting periods available
- Multiple coverage options and riders
- Flexible benefit periods
- Competitive pricing for various income levels
Why We Chose It: For those who want to minimize the gap between disability onset and benefit commencement, Mutual of Omaha’s short waiting period options provide quick financial relief when it’s needed most.
Best for Short-Term Disability Coverage: State Farm
State Farm brings its well-known reputation for customer service to the disability insurance market. The company offers short-term disability coverage that can bridge the gap between an illness or injury and long-term benefits or return to work.
Key Features:
- Specializes in short-term disability coverage
- Available alongside other insurance products
- Strong customer service reputation
- Flexible benefit periods
Why We Chose It: State Farm’s expertise in short-term disability combined with their reputation for excellent customer service makes them an ideal choice for those seeking temporary income protection.
Additional Provider Options
Principal Financial Group
Principal Financial Group serves as another excellent option for disability insurance seekers. This Fortune 500 company holds superior ratings from A.M. Best and Moody’s, providing confidence in their financial stability.
Key Features:
- Up to $20,000 in monthly benefits with full underwriting
- Up to $6,000 with simplified underwriting
- Long-term coverage extends for two or five years or until retirement age
- Waiting periods from eight to 90 days
- Available to those working as little as 20 hours per week
- A+ financial strength rating from A.M. Best
- Online quotes available
Unum
Unum leads the market in group and employer-sponsored long-term disability insurance. The company offers comprehensive benefits alongside exceptional customer service.
Key Features:
- Highly-rated customer service
- Up to 66% income replacement
- High monthly benefit options
- Income replacement for higher-earning individuals
Considerations:
- Only offers group and employer-sponsored plans
- Limited available riders
- Higher cost compared to some competitors
Understanding Disability Insurance Coverage
Disability insurance comes in two primary forms: short-term and long-term coverage. Short-term disability typically covers you for a few weeks to months following an illness or injury, while long-term disability can provide benefits for years or until retirement age. Understanding the differences between these options helps you select appropriate coverage for your financial situation.
Key factors to consider when choosing disability insurance include the waiting period (the time before benefits begin), the benefit period (how long you receive payments), the replacement income percentage, and available riders that can enhance your coverage. Many providers offer customizable policies that allow you to tailor coverage to your specific needs and budget.
Comparison of Top Disability Insurance Providers
| Provider | Best For | Key Advantage | Financial Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assurity | High-Risk Occupations | Covers excluded professions | Strong |
| Breeze | Affordable Premiums | Competitive rates | Excellent (TrustPilot) |
| Guardian | Long-Term Coverage | A++ financial rating | A++ (Superior) |
| Mutual of Omaha | Short Waiting Period | Quick benefit access | Strong |
| State Farm | Short-Term Coverage | Customer service reputation | Excellent |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is disability insurance and why do I need it?
Disability insurance provides income replacement if you become unable to work due to illness or injury. It protects your lifestyle and financial obligations by ensuring you have income during recovery periods.
What’s the difference between short-term and long-term disability insurance?
Short-term disability typically covers you for weeks to a few months, while long-term disability can provide benefits for years or until retirement. Many people carry both types for comprehensive protection.
Do I need a medical exam to get disability insurance?
Requirements vary by provider and coverage amount. Some companies offer supplemental coverage without medical exams, while others require full underwriting for standard policies. Guardian, for example, offers no medical exam options for supplemental coverage.
What is the waiting period in disability insurance?
The waiting period is the time between when you become disabled and when benefits begin. Providers like Assurity offer zero-day waiting periods, while others range from eight to 90 days depending on the policy.
Can I get disability insurance if I work in a high-risk occupation?
Yes, companies like Assurity specialize in covering high-risk professions that traditional insurers often exclude, including construction workers and machinery operators.
What percentage of income does disability insurance replace?
Income replacement typically ranges from 50% to 66% of your gross income, depending on the provider and policy. Some companies like Unum offer up to 66% replacement for group plans.
Are there riders available to enhance my disability coverage?
Yes, most providers offer multiple riders to customize your policy. These can include options for mental health coverage, own-occupation protection, and automatic benefit increases.
Summary of Money’s Best Disability Insurance
- Assurity — Best for High-Risk Occupations
- Breeze — Best for Affordable Insurance Premiums
- Guardian — Best for Long-Term Disability Coverage
- Mutual of Omaha — Best for Short Waiting Period
- State Farm — Best for Short-Term Disability Coverage
Selecting the right disability insurance provider depends on your specific needs, occupation, income level, and preferred coverage features. By comparing these top providers and understanding their strengths, you can make an informed decision to protect your financial future. Whether you prioritize affordability, comprehensive coverage, or specialized options for high-risk work, there is a disability insurance solution available for you.
References
- Best Disability Insurance | Money — Money Magazine. 2025-11-29. https://money.com/best-disability-insurance/
- 5 Best Long-Term Disability Insurance Companies | Money — Money Magazine. 2025-11-29. https://money.com/best-long-term-disability-insurance/
- 5 Best Disability Insurance Options for Physicians | Money — Money Magazine. 2025-11-29. https://money.com/best-disability-insurance-for-physicians/
- 5 Best Group Disability Insurance | Money — Money Magazine. 2025-11-29. https://money.com/best-group-disability-insurance/
- Financial Strength Ratings Explained — A.M. Best Company. https://www3.ambest.com/ratings/
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