DEFINITIONS OF DISABILITY

In order to receive benefits from a disability policy that covers injuries, the injury must be accidental in nature and not intentional. If the disability policy covers sickness, the illness must have started after the effective date of the coverage. Disability policies require that the you provide proof of total disability before payments would begin.

There are several classifications of disabilities and the definition of the specific type of disability is defined in the policy you would purchase. The following is an example of a description on how a disability might be defined:

TOTAL DISABILITY:

This would be the most severe of all disabilities as you would never be able to work, in any capacity, at any time.

You are totally disabled if, due to injury or sickness, you are:

1. Unable to perform the substancial and material duties of your regular occupation; and
2. Not engaged in any other gainful occupation; and
3. Under the care of a physician. The physician's care requirement will be waived if futher care would be of no benefit to you.

Your regular occupation would be your occupation the time your disability begins.

PRESUMPTIVE TOTAL DISABILITY:

This would be your total and permanent loss, due to injury or sickness to one of the following:

• Speech;
• Hearing in both ears, not restorable by hearing aids; 
• Sight in both eyes;
• Use of both hands;
• Use of both feet; or
• Use of one hand and one foot

CONTINUOUS DISABILITY:

Recurrent periods of disability from the same cause or causes are considered one period of continuous disability if seperated by your recovery of less than 12 full months. No benefits are due or payable during any period of recovery.