Most people don't think they're at risk of becoming disabled, but according to the U.S. Social Security Administration, one in five Americans (56 million) are currently living with a physical or mental disability. Additionally, it's estimated that one in four of today's 20-year-olds will become disabled before reaching their retirement age.

Without a solid disability insurance plan, your family could be at a significant risk if something unexpected happened, especially if you contribute to monthly household bills or a mortgage (most American households rely on two incomes to pay the mortgage). Relying on Social Security Disability to protect you may not be enough: it's very difficult to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration uses a strict definition of "disability" and requires that you be unable to work in any occupation you would otherwise be qualified for based on your education, job experience and training.

Disability insurance purchased through an insurance professional generally uses an "own occupation" definition of disability rather than the "any occupation" definition used by the Social Security Administration, so proving you have a disability is less burdensome.