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How we rate disability insurance 

We evaluated 126 data points and scored nine disability insurance companies by weighting key policy factors that are important to consumers. The best long-term disability policies offer options for short elimination periods, high monthly benefits and long benefit periods, such as up to 10 years or up to 70 years old. 

Our star ratings explained

Each disability insurance company was scored based on weighted key factors, and its total score out of 100 determines its star rating. Top scores earned 5 stars. 

Best disability insurance methodology

To determine the best disability insurance companies, we analyzed data points about the breadth of coverage options available and the ease with which you can purchase a policy online.

Maximum monthly benefit options

Long-term disability policies with a maximum monthly benefit of at least $30,000 per month received full points.

>> Why this is important: Long-term disability can cover a portion of your income for multiple years, all the way up to retirement, depending on your needs and the policy you choose. We recommend that your monthly benefit amount be at least 60% of your post-tax income, to ensure you can cover your everyday expenses and other bills. 

Short elimination period options

Long-term disability policies with available elimination periods as short as 30 days received the maximum amount of points.

>> Why this is important: The elimination or waiting period options for long-term disability insurance can be anywhere from 30 days to a year, depending on the insurer and the policy you choose. You’ll pay more in premiums for a shorter elimination period, but you’ll be able to access coverage more quickly when you need it. 

Length of benefit period options 

The maximum number of points was awarded to long-term disability policies with benefit periods of at least 10 years or up to 70 years.

>> Why this is important: If you are unable to work due to a qualifying illness or injury, you’ll want long-term disability insurance that covers you for several years. 

Coverage options 

We only rated insurers that sell individual long-term disability insurance policies that anyone can buy, regardless of where they work. Insurers that also sell short-term disability insurance received points.

>> Why this is important: Short-term disability insurance typically covers you for three to six months if you can’t work because of a non-work-related illness (including mental health conditions like depression and anxiety), injury or pregnancy. It usually covers you at a higher percentage of your income — up to 70% — for a shorter period of time than long-term disability.

This may be of interest to some consumers, such as those who risk losing wages because of a pregnancy.

Online quotes available

Disability insurance companies that allow you to get a quote online without speaking to a financial representative received full points.

>> Why this is important: Many consumers would prefer to get quotes online rather than wait for an agent to contact them to compare disability insurance options and rates. 

Best disability insurance ranking factors

  • Maximum monthly benefit options: 25 points.
  • Short elimination period options: 25 points.
  • Length of benefit period options up to age 70: 25 points.
  • Length of benefit period options up to 10 years: 10 points.
  • Online quotes available: 10 points.
  • Coverage options available: 5 points.

See the results of our analysis in our rating of the best disability insurance.

How we collect data

We collect disability insurance data directly from insurer websites. Our data undergoes three levels of fact-checking to ensure accuracy. We get new data throughout the year to update our disability insurance articles and our rating is updated annually. 

USA TODAY Blueprint’s editorial standards

Our goal as insurance editors is to provide readers with an unbiased analysis of insurance products on the market and break down the pros and cons of each. 

For insurance ratings, we collect thousands of data points to evaluate and assign weights to the most important factors. These weights determine each product’s score out of 100, which translates to a star rating. Top-scoring insurance products get 5 stars. 

Our ratings are designed to let rigorous methodology determine the winners so all star ratings are data-based. Advertisers never influence our editorial content.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Heidi Gollub

BLUEPRINT

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

Jennifer Lobb

BLUEPRINT

Jennifer Lobb is deputy editor at USA TODAY Blueprint and is an experienced insurance and personal finance writer. Jennifer served as an insurance staff writer and editor at U.S. News and World Report and deputy editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor. She also spent several years covering finance and insurance for various financial media sites, including LendingTree and Investopedia. For nearly a decade, she’s helped consumers make educated decisions about the products that protect their finances, families and homes.

Kara McGinley

BLUEPRINT

Kara McGinley is deputy editor of insurance at USA TODAY Blueprint and a licensed home insurance expert. Previously, she was a senior editor at Policygenius, where she specialized in homeowners and renters insurance. Her work and insights have been featured in MSN, Lifehacker, Kiplinger, PropertyCasualty360 and more.