Disability insurance, also known as income insurance, acts as an income buffer if you’re no longer able to work due to an unexpected occupational disability.

Disabilities covered by insurance have to cause a reduction in your capacity to work by at least 50% and have lasted more than 6 months. The most common disabilities are mental illnesses like burnout or coordination impairments like chronic back pain.

Public health insurance will pay for the first 6 months of an occupational disability, so getting disability insurance can cover the gap until retirement or until you’re able to work again.