When you think of “disability,” what comes to mind?
A construction accident? A car crash? Maybe a workplace injury?
While those scenarios do happen, the reality is far different—and far more common. The truth is, most long-term disabilities have nothing to do with freak accidents. They come from everyday illnesses and health conditions that could affect anyone, at any time.
Let’s take a closer look at the real reasons people find themselves unable to work—and why disability insurance is critical, even if your job seems “safe.”
🚫 Accidents Aren’t the Leading Cause of Disability
It might surprise you to learn that only around 10% of disabilities are caused by accidents. The remaining 90%? They’re due to medical issues you probably wouldn’t expect.
💡 Common (and Overlooked) Causes of Disability
Here are some of the top culprits behind long-term work absences:
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Conditions like chronic back pain, arthritis, or joint disorders are a leading cause of disability claims. Sitting at a desk all day can be just as risky as lifting heavy equipment. - Cancer
Between treatments, side effects, and recovery time, cancer can leave even the healthiest person unable to work for months or more. - Heart Disease & Stroke
Cardiovascular conditions are not only widespread—they can strike without warning and take a long time to recover from. - Mental Health Disorders
Anxiety, depression, and burnout have become major contributors to long-term disability leave, especially among working professionals. - Pregnancy Complications
Conditions like high-risk pregnancies, postpartum disorders, or childbirth injuries can result in extended absences from work.
👀 You Don’t Need to Work a “Dangerous” Job
Many people mistakenly believe that if they work in an office or “safe” profession, they don’t need disability coverage. But the most common causes of disability affect nurses, teachers, tech workers, business owners, and parents—not just those in high-risk industries.
You don’t need to fall off a ladder to become disabled.
You just need to be unable to work for a period of time due to a medical condition.
🔄 Life Can Change Overnight
A back injury from lifting your toddler. A cancer diagnosis after a routine checkup. A mental health crisis triggered by burnout. These are all real possibilities—and they can interrupt your ability to earn an income for months or even years.
That’s where disability insurance steps in—to help replace part of your paycheck so you can focus on recovery, not finances.
💰 Coverage Can Be More Affordable Than You Think
Many people are surprised to learn that disability insurance can cost as little as 1–3% of your annual income—a small price for a safety net that protects your livelihood.
📩 Protect Yourself from the Unexpected
If your income suddenly stopped, how long could you go without a paycheck?
Whether it’s illness, injury, or something completely unexpected, having disability insurance in place helps make sure you and your family are still financially secure.
👉 Reach out today to learn more or request a personalized quote.
📚 Sources
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
A typical disability insurance policy replaces about 60% of earned income.
https://content.naic.org/article/consumer-insight-if-disability-were-keep-you-earning-living-how-would-you-pay-your-bills
Council for Disability Awareness (CDA)
Approximately 90% of disabilities are caused by illness, not accidents.
https://thecdia.org/hey-gen-x-time-to-protect-your-income-3
DisabilityQuotes.com
Musculoskeletal issues account for 29% of long-term disability claims, cancer accounts for 15%.
https://beta.disabilityquotes.com/disability-insurance-statistics
Set for Life Insurance
Long-term disabilities are often caused by illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
https://setforlifeinsurance.com/disability-insurance/helpful-statistics
