Disability Insurance - Most people do not realize that disability insurance protects their biggest asset: their ability to earn a paycheck. This story debunks five myths that keep people from buying disability insurance, including mistakenly thinking they are already covered. It also explains how disability insurance works, and how to find it.

Loss of income while an insured is unable to work.

When an insured becomes unable to work, and after the waiting period stipulated in the policy, the insurer makes periodic payments to an insured that represent a percentage of his or her working income. Often that figure is 60%. Short-term disability insurance covers periods from two weeks to two years, while long-term disability insurance usually will pay for up to five years or until age 65. Special policies continue contributions to retirement plans.

Anyone whose financial situation would deteriorate significantly by being out of work. A worker's chance of becoming disabled is 2 to 3.5 times greater than dying. One in three working Americans will be disabled for 90 days or more before age 65, according to the Society of Actuaries. Social Security benefits are limited to disabilities expected to last at least 12 months or end in death, and those who qualify must be unable to perform any type of work. Employers must provide workers' compensation insurance, but nearly 60% of injuries happen off the job. Benefits in employer-sponsored disability plans may not be as generous as those in individual policies, so be sure to check your employer's plan.

People with substantial assets may not need disability insurance. Financial planners recommend a cash fund that can cover at least six months of expenses in case of emergency.

The need for disability insurance is statistically greatest before age 50, but the consequences of losing one's income can be significant at any time in life.

Periodic premiums for individual policies.