How Disability Statistics Improve or Increase the Rate You Pay for Insurance Coverage

How Disability Statistics Improve or Increase the Rate You Pay for Insurance Coverage

The disability statistics are often used by insurance carriers to increase or decrease the rates and policy costs quoted for disability insurance. In its simplest form, the question might be asked: Would you expect to pay the same premium for identical coverage if you were an active player in the National Football League or in your current profession of practicing internal medicine? It is reasonable to assume that the likelihood of disability is greater for an NFL player than a medical professional. Certainly there is a risk of disability associated with both professions, but the statistics of disability are normally higher for a professional athlete.

Therefore, it is equally reasonable to understand why disability insurance companies would use the higher disability risks of one profession to increase the rate for protection and reduce the cost for another. While the specific factors and formulae involved in computing premium rates, much like rankings on search engines and credit scores, are closely guarded secrets, you would probably rather be rated with other similar medical professionals than being inserted in a “pool” with NASCAR drivers.

Those in occupations that have higher statistics of disability normally understand, to a large degree, their likelihood of disability, but they still have the same need to protect their current and future earnings as do you. The incidence of disability will influence your cost -- for better or worse -- but good protection should still be available, which is the most important consideration.

Refer to your insurance policy contract for specific information regarding your coverage and for actual terms, conditions and exclusions. The above statements are general in nature and may or may not reflect the actual terms of your insurance policy.