The Best Individual Long-Term Disability Insurance in 2025

When thinking of the future, your long-term plans likely don't include a serious illness or accident recovery. However, it's helpful to be prepared for these incidents just in case. If you develop a long-term or even permanent illness or suffer a serious injury from a major accident, you could be out of work for multiple years. Having a plan to replace your income can help you avoid financial devastation.

Fortunately, a local independent insurance agent can help you find the right individual long-term disability insurance. They can shop and compare policies from multiple insurance companies for you. But first, check out our guide to the best individual long-term disability insurance companies and why this coverage might be a wise decision for you.

What Is Individual Long-Term Disability Insurance?

Individual long-term disability insurance is a type of disability insurance that can supplement your income for multiple years if you suffer from a serious or even permanent injury or illness. An individual policy refers to coverage that you buy on your own if your employer doesn't offer group disability insurance. In contrast to group coverage, where the employer pays for all or a portion of the premiums, individual disability insurance is bought and paid for entirely by you.

Long-term disability insurance can cover you for multiple years, in contrast to short-term disability policies, which only offer coverage for an average of 13 to 52 weeks. While short-term disability insurance policies are best for minor injuries and less serious illnesses, long-term disability policies are best for conditions that can come with an especially long or difficult recovery. An independent insurance agent can help you find the right individual long-term disability insurance.

How Does Individual Long-Term Disability Insurance Work?

Individual long-term disability insurance is paid for by you, rather than your employer. After purchasing coverage, you'll pay an annual or monthly premium to your insurance company. Coverage often comes with a waiting period of up to 14 days before your policy is effective.

If you suffer from a major injury or serious illness, your long-term disability insurance can replace a portion of your income, often up to 60%, for the duration of the policy. Long-term disability insurance terms are often 36 months, or three years, but can be purchased with policy terms up to 10 years or even for the entire life of the policyholder. Long-term disability insurance benefits begin once short-term disability insurance benefits have been exhausted. 

Common Long-Term Disabilities

Long-term disability insurance is often used for individuals who suffer from various chronic diseases and conditions such as: 

To be covered, an illness or condition typically must cause debilitating symptoms that prevent the individual from performing required work duties. Accidents and other incidents that lead to serious injury with a difficult and long-term recovery period are often also covered. Not all of the conditions listed above are covered by every long-term disability insurance policy, so it's important to shop around. An independent insurance agent can help.

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Who Sells the Best Individual Long-Term Disability Insurance?

Buying long-term disability insurance is an important decision for many individuals. Therefore, it's critical to get coverage from a reputable carrier known for delivering on its coverage promises. To help you find the right coverage, we've put together a list of some of our top recommendations for the individual best long-term disability insurance companies.


           

Top Individual Long-Term Disability Insurance Companies	Carrier Star Rating
Lincoln Financial	5 Stars
Prudential	4.5 Stars
Aflac	4 Stars
Assurity	4 Stars
Mutual of Omaha	4 Stars
Northwestern Mutual	3.5 Stars
The Hartford	3.5 Stars
MetLife	3.5 Stars

How Much Does Individual Long-Term Disability Insurance Cost?

The cost of individual long-term disability insurance can vary considerably based on many factors, including your age, income, and amount of coverage desired. The longer the duration of your coverage, the more you can typically expect to pay for your policy. A local independent insurance agent can help you find affordable individual long-term disability insurance near you.

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The Benefits of an Independent Insurance Agent

When you're ready to find the right individual long-term disability insurance, no one's better equipped to help than a local independent insurance agent. These agents have access to multiple insurance companies, so they're free to shop and compare policies and rates for you. 

They'll present you with several quotes representing only the best options. And down the road, your agent can help you file claims and update your coverage when necessary.