What it is
The period between the onset of disability and the first payment. During that time no benefit is paid: you live on your savings, your sick leave, or other coverage.
The effect on the premium
The longer the period, the lower the premium, and the difference is substantial. Lengthening it is the most effective lever for making coverage affordable without cutting the monthly amount insured.
How to choose it
Count the cash you actually have available and how long you could hold out with no income. The period should match that span, not the lowest figure on offer.
Coordinating with group coverage
If your employer provides short-term disability, your individual contract’s period can be aligned with the end of that benefit, avoiding paying twice for the same window.
Payment arrives afterwards
Benefits are generally paid in arrears: a ninety-day period often means a first payment around the fourth month. That is one month later than most people expect.
No rate, price, or recommendation on this page. Amounts and limits change: verify them with official sources before deciding.