A long-term disability insurance policy will provide benefits for either two, five, ten years, or all the way up until retirement. The average long-term disability claim typically lasts for 31.6 months.  Depending on your occupation, how much savings you have to weather being unable to work for an extended period of time, and how close you are to retirement, should all be factored into how long your benefit coverage period should be when you pick out a long-term disability insurance policy.  For example, if you’re self-employed and do something that’s physically challenging or requires high motor-skills like a dentist, orthodontist, physical therapist, or nurse, then you should consider a long-term disability policy that covers you for several years, if not up until retirement.  Typically, the day of disability is when the actual disability is said to have occurred, and any medical conditions associated with it will be noted by the insurance company when you file a claim.  The insurance company will also provide you with notice of the disability period, which should be in line with what you originally signed up for when you signed for your policy. Any benefit payments associated with the policy will then be considered to be made once the claim has been processed and approved by the insurance company.