What Is A Disability Insurance Plan? 
A disability insurance plan is a contract wherein the insurance company agrees to pay you a set sum of cash during the time you are `` disabled '' . You pay a monthly premium to get this protection . Depending on the wording of your policies and the features you choose , the policy could pay a large % of what your paycheck might have been simply because , e.g. , you are unable to concentrate on your work due to symptoms of MS or side effects of being on pain medication . The other extreme is that your policy would not pay unless you can not perform any job , even if you were a scientist but still able to work at a fast food restaurant . As David said , the definition of `` disabled '' is important . Use a knowledgeable agent to be sure you get a Disability Insurance plan that provides the level of protection you 'd like at the lowest possible price . 