The elimination period is the waiting period that begins when a covered disability starts and ends before disability-income benefits become payable. It functions much like a time deductible. For example, if a policy has a 30-day elimination period, the insured must remain disabled for the required period before weekly or monthly benefits begin, subject to the policy’s definition of disability and proof-of-loss requirements.
The elimination period is not the benefit period. The benefit period is the maximum length of time benefits may continue once the insured becomes eligible, such as two years, five years, or to a stated age. It is also not the probationary period, which may apply at the beginning of a policy before coverage for sickness becomes effective. Accident coverage is often effective immediately, while sickness coverage may have a probationary period depending on the contract.
A longer elimination period generally lowers the premium because the insured retains more of the initial loss. A shorter elimination period generally increases the premium because the insurer begins paying sooner. When comparing disability policies, producers should evaluate the elimination period together with the monthly benefit amount, definition of disability, residual-benefit features, and benefit period.
References/topics from the Study Guide: Disability Income Insurance; Elimination Period; Benefit Period; Probationary Period; Time Deductible.
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