--- title: 10 Important Statistics in Honor of Disability Insurance Awareness Month description: May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month, here are 10 statistics that every physicians must know when it comes to a disability. image: https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/Blog_Images/10-statistics-for-disability-awareness-month.jpg --- - [800-880-8181](tel:800-880-8181) - [CONTACT US](https://www.tmait.org/contact) - [SELF-SERVICE PORTAL](https://tmait.aebsys.com/#/) [![](https://www.tmait.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/logo.png?width=197&name=logo.png)](https://www.tmait.org/) Topics All Accident Insurance Accidental Death and Dismemberment Auto & Home Insurance Auto Insurance Business of Medicine Business Overhead Expense Insurance Comparing Insurance Providers COVID-19 FAQs Critical Illness Insurance Dental Insurance Disability Insurance Employed Physicians Family Featured Financial Advice Group Benefits Group Coverage Health Insurance Homeowners Insurance HSA Independent Contractor Independent Physician Individual Coverage Insurance For Good Insurance for Women Insurance Review Key Person Insurance Life Events Life Insurance Locum Tenens Medevac Insurance Medical Insurance Medical Practice Medicare Medicare Part D Medicare Supplement Medigap Nearing Retirement Office Overhead Expense Insurance Open Enrollment Personal Umbrella Insurance Pet Insurance Practice Management Practice Managers Practice Owners Prescription Drug Coverage Renters Insurance Residents Retired Physicians Retirement Short Term Disability Short-Term Medical Insurance Supplemental Hospital Indemnity Insurance Term Life Insurance Travel Insurance Vision Insurance Women Physicians Young Physicans Young Physicians ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/Blog_Images/10-statistics-for-disability-awareness-month.jpg) [Disability Insurance](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/disability-insurance) # 10 Important Statistics in Honor of Disability Insurance Awareness Month 25 May 2015 Not only does the month of May host many important holidays including Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, but it is also Disability Insurance Awareness Month. Even though disability isn’t a pleasant topic, it’s unfortunately a very real issue — one that everyone should be aware of. The truth is, a disability can happen to anyone. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 billion people, which makes up [15% of the world’s population, have some form of disability](http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs352/en/). Of course, most of us think that a disabling illness or injury will never happen to us. This is very apparent in a recent survey conducted by the Council for Disability Awareness. The study found that 9 out of 10 individuals [underestimate their own chances of becoming disabled](http://www.disabilitycanhappen.org/research/survey_highlights.asp). However, according to the following ten statistics, those 9 out of ten individuals couldn’t be more wrong. **10 Must-Know Statistics About Disability** 1. One in three working Americans will become disabled for 90 days or more before age 65. 2. The average group long-term disability claim lasts 34.6 months. 1. The average individual disability claim lasts 31.6 months. 1. Medical problems contributed to 62% of all personal bankruptcies filed in the U.S. 2. About 1 in 4 of today’s 20 year-olds will become disabled before they retire. 3. One in 8 workers will become disabled for five years or more during their lifetime. 4. Over 37 million Americans are classified as disabled; about 12% of the total population. 5. As of 2013, 8.8 million Americans were disabled. 6. Around 64% of Americans believe their chances of becoming disabled are much lower than the actual odds. 7. Almost all disabilities (90%) are caused by illness, not accidents. If you’re like most, you may find these statistics frightening. And as a physician, you may be at an even higher risk for some disabilities. Physicians tend to have [higher rates of musculoskeletal disorders and mental conditions](https://www.tmait.org/pdf/ltd_insurance-guide_tmait_101409a_hires.pdf). Plus, practicing medicine requires physicians to take higher on-the-job risks than some other professionals take. So what would happen if you became disabled and were unable to work for a long period of time? For many, not having income to maintain their standard of living leaves a major financial gap in their future. Thus, having a financial vehicle to offset the costs of disability is crucial. **Don't Overlook Disability Coverage** Disability insurance protects your income by providing the perfect parachute to safeguard your finances. If you become sick or injured, disability insurance will pay a portion of your regular income. There are two types of disability insurance, short-term and long-term, and both are very important to have, below you will see the differences between coverages. - **Short-term disability Insurance** - Provides coverage for up to two years and is best served for those that only need income support for a short period of time. - **Long-term Disability Insurance** - Provides coverage for an extended amount of time and will typically last until age 65 to 70. Many physicians consider both short-term and long-term disability insurance coverage. For a small injury or surgery, short-term disability insurance can help keep your finances protected until you can get back to your practice. And when it comes to a larger injury or medical condition, long-term disability will cover you if your disability keeps you from practicing. [Contact us](https://info.tmait.org/contact) today to protect your financial future. We’ll partner you with an experienced advisor who can help you determine what type coverage is right for you and your family and answer any questions you may have. *Resources* - *[http://www.disabilitycanhappen.org/docs/disability_stats.pdf](http://www.disabilitycanhappen.org/docs/disability_stats.pdf)  * - *[http://www.disabilitycanhappen.org/chances_disability/disability_stats.asp](http://www.disabilitycanhappen.org/chances_disability/disability_stats.asp)  *   ** [ Disability Insurance ](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/disability-insurance) ** [**Previous Entries](https://www.tmait.org/blog/the-powerful-facts-about-disability-infographic-ltd) [Next Entries**](https://www.tmait.org/blog/life-insurance-after-cancer-know-your-options) ## Recommended Posts ### [Disability Insurance—Without Gender-Based Pricing Discrimination](https://www.tmait.org/blog/disability-insurance-without-gender-based-pricing-discrimination) ### [Mind the Gap: Why Your Employer’s Disability Coverage May Fall Short](https://www.tmait.org/blog/mind-the-gap-why-your-employers-disability-insurance-coverage-may-fall-short) ### [When Your Family Depends On You: Disability Insurance for Physicians](https://www.tmait.org/blog/when-your-family-depends-on-you-disability-insurance-for-physicians) ### [Don’t Let a Busy Schedule Block Your Disability Protection](https://www.tmait.org/blog/dont-let-a-busy-schedule-block-your-disability-insurance-protection) ### [What the TMA Member Disability Plan Includes That Others Don’t](https://www.tmait.org/blog/what-the-tma-member-disability-plan-includes-that-others-dont) ### [Don’t Let These Coverage Gaps Surprise You in Retirement](https://www.tmait.org/blog/dont-let-these-coverage-gaps-surprise-you-in-retirement-medicare) ### [A Physician's Path to Better Disability Coverage](https://www.tmait.org/blog/a-physicians-path-to-better-disability-insurance-coverage) ### [Insurance That Gives Back](https://www.tmait.org/blog/insurance-that-gives-back) ## Speak with a TMA Insurance Trust Advisor: ### Latest Post ![A New Alternative for Group Health Insurance](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/July%202026/July%202026%20Week%201%20-%20Group%20Health.png) ### [A New Alternative for Group Health Insurance](https://www.tmait.org/blog/a-new-alternative-for-group-health-insurance-group-benefits) Jul. 04 2026 ![Why Going It Alone on Group Health Coverage Costs Your Practice](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/June%202026/June%202026%20Week%204%20-%20Group%20Health.png) ### [Why Going It Alone on Group Health Coverage Costs Your Practice](https://www.tmait.org/blog/why-going-it-alone-on-group-health-coverage-costs-your-practice-group-benefits) Jun. 27 2026 ![Dental Insurance and the Habits It Helps Shape](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/June%202026/June%202026%20Week%203%20-%20Dental.png) ### [Dental Insurance and the Habits It Helps Shape](https://www.tmait.org/blog/dental-insurance-and-the-habits-it-helps-shape) Jun. 20 2026 ![Unexpected Doesn't Have to Mean Unprepared This Summer](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/June%202026/June%202026%20Week%202%20-%20Accident.png) ### [Unexpected Doesn't Have to Mean Unprepared This Summer](https://www.tmait.org/blog/unexpected-doesnt-have-to-mean-unprepared-this-summer) Jun. 13 2026 ### POPULAR TOPICS - [Practice Owners (218)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/practice-owners) - [Women Physicians (182)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/women-physicians) - [Independent Physician (175)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/independent-physician) - [Young Physicians (163)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/young-physicians) - [Insurance for Women (162)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/insurance-for-women) - [Employed Physicians (155)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/employed-physicians) - [Locum Tenens (136)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/locum-tenens) - [Residents (134)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/residents) - [Disability Insurance (128)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/disability-insurance) - [Health Insurance (127)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Practice Managers (94)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/practice-managers) - [Life Insurance (86)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/life-insurance) - [Independent Contractor (84)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/independent-contractor) - [Open Enrollment (73)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/open-enrollment) - [Group Benefits (65)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/group-benefits) - [Group Coverage (61)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/group-coverage) - [Retired Physicians (59)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/retired-physicians) - [Individual Coverage (58)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/individual-coverage) - [Nearing Retirement (57)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/nearing-retirement) - [Family (52)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/family) - [Medicare (43)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medicare) - [Medical Practice (39)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medical-practice) - [Business Overhead Expense Insurance (35)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/business-overhead-expense-insurance) - [Practice Management (35)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/practice-management) - [Critical Illness Insurance (33)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/critical-illness-insurance) - [Medicare Part D (31)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medicare-part-d) - [Dental Insurance (30)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/dental-insurance) - [Medicare Supplement (29)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medicare-supplement) - [Life Events (28)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/life-events) - [Insurance For Good (26)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/insurance-for-good) - [Business of Medicine (25)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/business-of-medicine) - [Auto Insurance (21)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/auto-insurance) - [Accident Insurance (20)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/accident-insurance) - [Homeowners Insurance (19)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/homeowners-insurance) - [Retirement (15)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/retirement) - [Short Term Disability (15)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/short-term-disability) - [Young Physicans (15)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/young-physicans) - [Medical Insurance (12)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medical-insurance) - [Featured (11)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/featured) - [Medigap (11)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medigap) - [Accidental Death and Dismemberment (10)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/accidental-death-and-dismemberment) - [HSA (10)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/hsa) - [Personal Umbrella Insurance (10)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/personal-umbrella-insurance) - [Insurance Review (9)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/insurance-review) - [Renters Insurance (9)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/renters-insurance) - [Term Life Insurance (9)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/term-life-insurance) - [Auto & Home Insurance (8)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/auto-home-insurance) - [Supplemental Hospital Indemnity Insurance (6)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/supplemental-hospital-indemnity-insurance) - [Travel Insurance (6)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/travel-insurance) - [Comparing Insurance Providers (3)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/comparing-insurance-providers) - [Pet Insurance (3)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/pet-insurance) - [Short-Term Medical Insurance (3)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/short-term-medical-insurance) - [Medevac Insurance (2)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medevac-insurance) - [Office Overhead Expense Insurance (2)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/office-overhead-expense-insurance) - [Vision Insurance (2)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/vision-insurance) - [COVID-19 FAQs (1)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/covid-19-faqs) - [Financial Advice (1)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/financial-advice) - [Key Person Insurance (1)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/key-person-insurance) - [Prescription Drug Coverage (1)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/prescription-drug-coverage) [See all](https://www.tmait.org/blog/10-important-statistics-in-honor-of-disability-insurance-awareness-month#) ### Newsletter signup to receive our monthly newsletter [* * Request a Quote](https://www.tmait.org/blog/10-important-statistics-in-honor-of-disability-insurance-awareness-month#bott-scroll) ![border](https://www.tmait.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/border.png?width=1200&name=border.png "border") ### Quick Links - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Home](https://www.tmait.org/) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Testimonials](https://www.tmait.org/testimonials) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [About](https://www.tmait.org/about) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Privacy Policy](https://www.tmait.org/privacy-policy) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Contact](https://www.tmait.org/contact) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Resources](https://www.tmait.org/resources) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Our Blog](https://www.tmait.org/blog) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Self-Service Portal](https://tmait.aebsys.com/#/) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Insurance For Good](https://www.tmait.org/blog/insurance-for-good) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Anticipate Joy](https://www.tmait.org/anticipate-joy) ### Connect With Us - [* *](https://www.facebook.com/TMAInsuranceTrust) - [* *](https://twitter.com/TMAIT) - [* *](https://www.youtube.com/user/TMAInsuranceTrust) We were created and are exclusively endorsed by the [Texas Medical Association](https://www.texmed.org/) © 2026 TEXAS MEDICAL ASSOCIATION INSURANCE TRUST © 2026 TEXAS MEDICAL ASSOCIATION INSURANCE TRUST ![](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/956622860/?value=0&guid=ON&script=0) ![](https://analytics.twitter.com/i/adsct?txn_id=l5yi3&p_id=Twitter&tw_sale_amount=0&tw_order_quantity=0) ![](https://t.co/i/adsct?txn_id=l5yi3&p_id=Twitter&tw_sale_amount=0&tw_order_quantity=0) ![](https://analytics.twitter.com/i/adsct?txn_id=nukif&p_id=Twitter&tw_sale_amount=0&tw_order_quantity=0) ![](https://t.co/i/adsct?txn_id=nukif&p_id=Twitter&tw_sale_amount=0&tw_order_quantity=0)