Disability insurance is a critical safety net that helps protect your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. But what if the injury or diagnosis has already happened? Are you out of luck? While buying disability insurance with pre-existing conditions is certainly more challenging, it’s not impossible. Below, we’ll explore your options, the hurdles you might face, and strategies to increase your chances of getting coverage.
Overview: disability insurance with pre-existing conditions
What Is Disability Insurance and Why Is It Important?
Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income if you’re unable to work due to a disabling condition. It comes in two main types: short-term and long-term coverage.
- Short-term disability insurance typically covers temporary disabilities, such as recovering from surgery or a broken leg.
- Long-term disability insurance provides extended financial support for severe or permanent conditions that prevent you from working for months or even years.
Learn more about these types here.
If you’re wondering whether disability insurance is really necessary, consider this: one in four workers will experience a disability before retirement age. That means protecting your income isn’t just a “worst-case scenario” plan–it’s a very real necessity. Think of it as an invisible seatbelt for your paycheck. You might never need it, but if you do, you’ll be incredibly glad it’s there.
Curious if disability insurance is right for you? Explore who needs it here.
Challenges of Buying Disability Insurance After an Injury
Securing disability insurance after an injury or diagnosis isn’t impossible, but it does come with a few speed bumps. The biggest obstacles? Higher premiums, policy exclusions, and potential denial of coverage.
Pre-Existing Conditions
A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury diagnosed before you apply for coverage. These can include:
- Chronic pain (e.g., back injuries, arthritis)
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression)
Unfortunately, insurers often place exclusions on policies, meaning claims related to pre-existing conditions won’t be covered. So, if you’ve already had knee surgery and later injure that same knee, your policy likely won’t cover the claim.
Learn more about eligibility here.
The Underwriting Process
When you apply for disability insurance, insurers don’t just take your word for it–they dig into your medical history through a process called underwriting. This involves:
- Reviewing past medical records
- Evaluating current treatments
- Assessing the severity of your condition
The greater the risk, the higher your premiums (or the higher the chances you’ll be denied outright). If an insurer sees that your doctor has written “patient experiences chronic back pain” multiple times, you can bet that’ll come up in the application process.
Your Options for Coverage
Even with these challenges, you still have options for securing disability insurance. Here’s where to look:
1. Individual Disability Insurance
You can purchase an individual policy directly from an insurance provider. While insurers may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, they will still cover new injuries or illnesses. So, if you already have arthritis but later develop a different disability (like vision loss or a spinal cord injury), you’d still be protected.
Learn more about individual plans here.
2. Employer-Sponsored Plans
If your workplace offers group disability insurance, this might be your golden ticket. Many employer-sponsored policies have guaranteed-issue coverage, meaning you don’t have to go through an extensive medical screening.
The catch? You usually need to sign up during open enrollment. If you missed that window, you may have to wait or seek alternative coverage.
Learn about employer-sponsored plans here.
3. Government Programs
If private insurance isn’t an option, you might qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, SSDI is notoriously difficult to get–about 60-70% of applications are denied on the first try. The process is slow, the eligibility requirements are strict, and even if you do qualify, benefits may not be enough to replace your full income.
Compare SSDI with private insurance here.
4. Supplemental Coverage
Already have some coverage but need more? Consider supplemental disability insurance. These policies are designed to fill income gaps, providing extra protection beyond an existing employer plan. Some supplemental policies may also allow less stringent underwriting, which is great news if you already have a pre-existing condition.
Learn about supplemental options here.
Strategies to Secure Coverage After an Injury
If you’ve already suffered an injury or received a diagnosis, here’s how to increase your chances of getting coverage:
✔ Improve Your Health Profile: Work with your doctor to stabilize your condition. Insurers like to see that you’re managing your health well.
✔ Consider Guaranteed-Issue Policies: Some policies don’t require medical exams, although they might come with higher premiums and lower benefits.
âś” Work With a Specialist: Disability insurance brokers can help you navigate the complexities of applying post-injury.
Cost Considerations
Disability insurance costs depend on several factors, including:
- Your age
- Your health condition
- Your occupation
- The level of coverage you need
For a healthy applicant, premiums typically cost 1–3% of annual salary. However, if you have a pre-existing condition, expect higher rates or policy exclusions.
For a deep dive into how insurance costs are determined, check out this guide.
FAQs About Post-Injury Disability Insurance
Can I qualify with a pre-existing condition?
Yes, but your condition may be excluded from coverage.
What happens if my condition worsens after purchasing a policy?
Once your policy is in place, insurers can’t cancel it due to worsening health– as long as you keep paying your premiums.
Is group insurance through my employer easier to obtain?
Yes! Group plans usually have fewer restrictions than individual policies.
Final Thoughts: Can You Still Get Disability Insurance?
While buying disability insurance after an injury or diagnosis is more complicated, it’s not impossible. Your best options include:
âś… Employer-sponsored plans (if available)
âś… Guaranteed-issue policies (if you can afford them)
âś… Supplemental coverage (if you need more income protection)
âś… Government programs (as a last resort)
Disability insurance is all about planning ahead, but if you’re already dealing with an injury or diagnosis, you still have options. Just be prepared for a few extra hoops to jump through.
For personalized guidance, consult a specialist or explore our full range of disability insurance resources here.
