TechRydr

This question is probably a tough one to answer, it's up to the individual when it comes down to it. But I'm interested in what my fellow bikers think about this...So:

My company offers Long Term Disability as a perk, but (in the event of an injury) after taxes are taken out an employee would only be getting approx 50% of their paycheck. The company is now offering open enrollement for Supplemental LTD (UNUM) - no physical and it's portable, which is a pretty cool feature - for about 30 bucks a month. This supplemental would make up the difference and the employee would then be recieving their whole paycheck in the event of a disabling injury.

General info to consider is: I'm married, wife is stay at home mom for 2. I do take risks, I like to call them calculated, kayaking, hiking, general outdoor activities. I sold my truck awhile ago so I'm a daily commuter. I live in the sticks and rarely see a town that has more than 2 stop lights.

(the question is sign up for it or not?)

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Velo Dog

As you say, it's an individual decision, but if it's as you described, I'd snap it up.
Here's why: I've been active my whole life, a runner from my 20s to mid-40s, then a cyclist and sometime kayaker, and I've always hiked and done the other things people do when they live in the mountains. I expected to be healthy and self-reliant into my 80s, as my parents and half my grandparents were.
A couple of years ago, though, at 61, I developed a neurological condition with an uncertain future. No way to predict it or prevent it, and no way to tell how far it will go. The possibilities stretch from remission (rare) to paralysis (also rare), with an infinite range between those two extremes.
So far my symptoms are just annoying--double vision some of the time, with some weakness and fatigue some afternoons. I can still ride and do heavy yard work, and I'm looking forward to kayaking again when it warms up a little. But for the first time in my life, I don't KNOW I'll be able to do that. It's possible, though not likely, that I'll wind up on a respirator. I'm not asking for sympathy--I've come to grips with the situation, and I'm optimistic. But knowing that my wife and kids wouldn't have to carry the load if the worst happens would be a huge comfort.

PunkMartyr

The truth is I snap up this type of thing pretty often. I am more interested in life insurance related stuff though. I don't have any dependents yet so I'm not in your boat. But I always take the max on life insurance stuff, because and I know this is wierd but I hope if I die in an accident or get run over that my loved ones will get that check and say wow he took out the maximum coverage (and then conclude I did it because I care about them)

TechRydr

Thanks for the input. Once I put it down in words I saw that it really was a no-brainer and signed up for it. Now I have one less thing to worry about in the event of an accident that requires rehab, etc.

PunkMartyr - Life insurance is next on my list...

patc

Just a note from my own experience - READ THE FINE PRINT. My insurance agent offered me (I'm self-employed) a whole bunch of coverage in case I lose income due to injury, illness, etc. After consideration I turned most of it down because of the fine print - most things likely to happen to me where not covered under the policy! That included "sports injuries", stroke, etc.

deraltekluge

Here's the BIG reason you should have insurance...

You're not really getting insurance for your benefit...it's for theirs.