8 Best Disability Insurance Companies of 2026

Northwestern Mutual ranks first because it is the only insurer on this list that publishes what an average individual disability policy costs: $25.63 a month for men and $36.68 for women on a $2,000 monthly benefit, under policy form ICC16.TT.NCDI.(0916). Its individual product is long-term disability, which it says is designed to last for many years, and it extends eligibility to stay-at-home parents, caregivers and part-time employees, groups many insurers turn away. The company cites S&P Global Market Intelligence for a No. 1 ranking in disability income insurance by direct premiums earned, and says it expects to pay $571 million in disability dividends to policyowners in 2027, which can be used to reduce premiums. Dividends are reviewed annually and are not guaranteed. The trade-off is the buying process: you work with one of its advisors rather than buying online, and it does not sell individual short-term disability cover.

Guardian has the deepest feature set we found on an insurer's own pages. Its individual policies are non-cancellable and guaranteed renewable, so the monthly price is fixed and the company cannot cancel cover while you pay on time. Standard features include waiver of premium that keeps waiving payments for six months after you recover, a hospice care benefit and an unemployment premium suspension. Optional riders add a future increase option without new medical proof, cost-of-living adjustments, a catastrophic disability benefit up to 100% income replacement, retirement contribution protection and a student loan rider covering $250 to $2,500 a month. On price, Guardian gives a guideline rather than a quote: 1 to 3% of annual salary, or roughly $85 to $250 a month on a $100,000 income. An online quote form asks for gender, age, occupation, state and income. It scores slightly below Northwestern Mutual on value because its published figure is a broad estimate.

Principal is the easiest insurer here to price on your own. Its Disability Income insurance page offers a quote in 5 minutes and a calculator that asks for annual income, monthly expenses and job details, then shows an estimated monthly cost and benefit. Principal positions the policy as a top-up to workplace cover, which it says typically pays about 60% of income and does not follow you when you leave a job, while its own policy is fully yours. A separate DI Retirement Security option keeps retirement saving going if you are too sick or hurt to work. The limits are that the calculator's numbers are illustrative, with final rates set by gender, age, smoking status, benefit amount, elimination period, state and occupation class after underwriting, and that Principal does not publish a sample price on the page, so we could not verify one.

Ameritas offers more ways to shape a policy than most insurers. DInamic Cornerstone Income Protection pays a traditional monthly benefit and is built in three steps: pick a plan with a rate guarantee or one that saves on cost, choose one of three definitions of total disability, then add riders such as student loan repayment, cost-of-living adjustments or benefits for a limited return to work. You also choose when benefits begin and how long they last. DInamic Fundamental takes a different route and pays a one-time lump sum if a disability stops you earning, is expected to last at least a year and you survive it by at least 30 days. Medical residents and fellows can get a guaranteed standard issue policy. Ameritas publishes no prices and sells through financial professionals, so it scores lower on experience and value than insurers with online quotes or published costs.

State Farm is one of the few big insurers that sells individual short-term disability as well as long-term cover. Its long-term policies pay monthly income for a covered total disability, with a five-year or to-age-67 benefit period, an elimination period you choose, and maximum monthly benefits from $500 to $20,000 based on income and occupation. Riders let you customize cover. The short-term policy offers one-year or three-year benefit periods and $300 to $3,000 a month, with what State Farm calls a short application. For context, it cites an average Social Security disability benefit of about $1,582 a month in 2025. You buy through an agent or by calling 844-242-1899. The products are not sold in Massachusetts, New Jersey or Rhode Island, and State Farm does not publish premiums, so we could not verify a starting price.

Illinois Mutual focuses on workers that larger insurers often price out. Its Personal Paycheck Power Simplified Issue DI uses an electronic application with straightforward questions and fast underwriting decisions, elimination periods as short as 0 days for accidents and 7 days for sickness depending on state, and unisex, uni-tobacco rates, so tobacco users do not pay more. Its fully underwritten individual coverage can add a return of premium rider at extra cost, which refunds 100% of premiums paid, less any benefits, from ages 65 to 67, with partial refunds possible from the 5th policy year. W-2 employees in eligible skilled trade or paraprofessional jobs may get a one-class occupation upgrade that lowers cost. A business expense policy helps owners keep a business running during a disability. It sells through agents and publishes no prices.

Mutual of Omaha sells disability income insurance only through employers, so it fits workers who are choosing benefits at open enrollment rather than shopping alone. Its plans cover short-term and long-term disability and are underwritten by United of Omaha Life Insurance Company, which is licensed in every state except New York. The company stresses enrollment support: local sales representatives, licensed and bilingual enrollment consultants, third-party online enrollment systems and mobile-friendly microsites and videos to explain choices. Employees can track claims through an Employee Portal, and plans can come with an Employee Assistance Program, AbsencePro leave management for FMLA and ADA, travel assistance and a hearing discount program; these extras are not insurance. You cannot buy a policy without an employer plan, and prices are set per employer, so none are published.

Aflac fills a narrow gap: short-term disability cover bought through your workplace and paid straight to you. Aflac Short-Term Disability Insurance is only available through worksite payroll deduction, and depending on the plan it pays for several months up to a year. Some products come with guaranteed-issue options that ask no underwriting questions, though not in every state, and plans are guaranteed renewable up to age 75. The Aflac value rider pays up to $1,000 every five consecutive years just for keeping the policy and rider. Aflac's own example shows a six-week disability paying up to $2,800 in benefits. It ranks last because it covers short absences only, so it cannot replace income through a long illness, and because you need an employer that offers it. Aflac publishes no premiums on the page.