Disability insurance can provide income replacement when unexpected injuries lead to temporary or long-term disabilities. This may apply to physical or mental impairments caused by injuries or other medical conditions. As an athlete, acquiring an impairment like this can significantly interfere with athletic performance, often resulting in no income. Reach out to a Pennsylvania disability attorney to find out what your options are for income replacement. 

Disability Insurance for Athletes

Many universities and employers provide disability insurance for athletes to prepare for unexpected disabilities. This disability insurance is designed to cover financial losses related to the inability to continue earning income as an athlete. An injury, illness, or other medical condition are all considered possible causes of disabilities and impairments.

Disability insurance will determine whether an athlete acquired or developed a disability from one of these causes. Many disability insurance policies also require athletes to no longer be able to earn enough income as a direct result of the disability.  If these eligibility criteria are not met, then athletes may not qualify for disability insurance.

The two main types of disability insurance offered include short-term disability insurance and long-term disability insurance. Short-term disability insurance provides benefits for athletes for short periods of time. This type of insurance policy is temporary and will eventually stop supplying benefits.

Long-term disability insurance provides athletes with benefits after short-term disability benefits end. This applies when athletes still need financial help due to their disability not improving. For some long-term disability policies, an athlete must not be able to perform any job-related tasks. Whereas for other policies an athlete may still qualify if they cannot perform athletic job tasks.

Important Considerations for Athlete Disability Insurance 

There are important considerations related to disability insurance for athletes. First, the eligibility criteria are crucial to consider when applying for disability insurance. Knowing about the eligibility criteria may help you save time by knowing what information to submit and what application steps to take.

Some universities only provide disability insurance for athletes who are deemed high draft protection. In other words, athletes that stand out in their given sport. Other universities may allow a loan for disability insurance.

However, various factors may prevent athletes from securing disability insurance. Pre-existing injuries or medical conditions may become obstacles to acquiring disability insurance, depending on various factors. Not all medical conditions or disabilities may qualify for benefits depending on their severity and longevity.

Consider contacting a Pennsylvania disability lawyer if you have any questions about how any of these disability insurance processes work. An experienced disability lawyer can offer guidance, speed up the application process, and address any concerns you may have. A lawyer can also help you explore legal options like filing an appeal if your disability insurance application was denied.

Call Edelstein & Nelson Today

Figuring out the complex disability insurance policies can be overwhelming, but you may not have to do this alone. Talk to a Pennsylvania group disability insurance lawyer if you have any questions about disability insurance. Start by contacting Edelstein & Nelson today at (800) 300-0909 for a consultation about your options. Our legal team might be able to help you increase your chances of receiving disability benefits.