How Disability Insurance Became a Lifeline for a Family in Crisis

Just over one in four of today’s 20-year-olds will become disabled before they retire. Most working adults in the United States have with­out disability insurance other than the basic cov­erage available through Social Security. At Farmers Union Agency, our agents can help you find disability insurance solutions and simplify a complicated insurance situation to meet your needs. 

The story below is real and is courtesy of Lifehappens.org. 

Valerie King was not a believer. When she transitioned from her medical residency to practicing as an emergency room physician, she didn’t think she needed disability insurance. “I could never envision a life without work,” she says. Her insurance professional convinced the young doctor otherwise. 

It was wise advice. Although Valerie never thought she would need it, a condition called ulcerative colitis decided for her. The disease and a series of surger­ies made it impossible for her to carry out her duties, and she found herself unable to practice the profession she loved. It was her disability insurance coverage that allowed her to survive financially and care for her three young daughters, who she was raised as a single mother. 

Life also had a second chapter for Valerie. She met and married Tim, a divorced parent. They looked forward to raising their blended family together and sought the advice of an insurance professional. In addition to the life insurance he had recommended, the agent ensured Tim understood the importance of disability insurance. Tim didn’t believe he’d ever need it, but with Valerie’s urging, he agreed to get coverage. 

“No one thinks light­ning will strike twice:’ says Larry, the life insurance agent, “but in this case, it did.” Larry, who had a high-profile position in the printing business, came close to dying from an undiagnosed aneurism and valve issue with his heart. A risky opera­tion saved his life but ultimately left him unable to return to work. Again, disability insurance enabled the family to go on financially. 

“Most people think, ‘It will never happen to me,” says Valerie. “But the truth is it can and does. Everything else goes away if you don’t have disability insurance coverage and you can’t work:’ 

Shapiro is the Director of Sales, Health, and Life for Farmers Union Agency. Contact us today at (800) 229-1064 or agents.fuainsurance.com to find an experienced FUA agent near you.