Disability Total Temporary vs. Total Permanent

In disability insurance, the terms "total temporary" and "total permanent" are used to describe the severity and duration of a disability.

Total Temporary Disability: This refers to a disability that is temporary and prevents the insured from working for a limited period of time. The disability may be caused by an illness, injury, or accident, and the insured is expected to recover and return to work at some point.

Example: A construction worker breaks his leg and is unable to work for six months while he recovers.

Key Features:

• Benefits are paid out for a limited period of time, as specified in the policy.

• The insured is expected to return to work once their condition improves.
• The insured may be required to provide medical proof of their disability and ongoing treatment.

Total Permanent Disability: This refers to a disability that is permanent and prevents the insured from ever returning to work in their chosen occupation. The disability may be caused by an illness, injury, or accident, and the insured is not expected to recover or regain their ability to work.

Example: A surgeon develops a tremor in her hand that prevents her from performing surgery.

Key Features:

• Benefits are paid out for the duration of the insured's life, or until the end of the benefit period specified in the policy.
• The insured is not expected to ever return to work in their chosen occupation.

• The insured may be required to provide medical proof of their disability and ongoing treatment.