What Disabilities Are Covered in Long-Term Disability Plans?

Long-term disability plans cover various types of illnesses and injuries that can prevent a person from working for an extended period. Long-term disability plans vary by state and company. Most people do not know that illness causes more disability than injuries do, according to the Council for Disability Awareness.

Disabling Illnesses

• According to the Council for Disability Awareness, the leading cause of disability is musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders. The second highest cause is nervous system-related disorders, with cardiovascular and circulatory disorders following close behind. Cancer, diabetes and other disorders also cause disability. Of the musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, the main cause of long-term disability is arthritis. Nervous system-related disorders take root in either the central nervous system -- the brain and spinal column -- or the peripheral nervous system, which contains all other neural elements.

Disabling Conditions and Injuries

• While approximately 90 percent of all long-term disability comes from illnesses, injuries due to accidents constitute the remaining coverage. These injuries may be the result of a fall, a car accident or an injury caused by using a machine or tool. Workers' compensation covers some of these injuries, if they occur on the job. Other conditions covered by long-term disability plans are those resulting in mental illness, as well as complications due to pregnancy.

Disabilities Not Considered

• All long-term disability plans state what disabilities they do not cover. Commonly, these are disabilities caused by pre-existing conditions. They may result from self-inflicted injuries or ignoring a doctor's treatment plan. In addition, long-term disability does not cover incarcerated individuals, or people who are no longer under the care of a physician or have stopped prescribed therapies.

Defining Disability

• A person is disabled and eligible for long-term disability plan coverage when he cannot fulfill the duties of his employment due to a disease, injury, mental illness or pregnancy. There is a waiting period for filing long-term disability. Benefits received are subject to a deductible from other income, such as Social Security disability benefits or workers' compensation.