What does short-term disability insurance generally provide?

Short-term disability insurance is designed to provide financial support for individuals who are temporarily unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. This type of insurance typically offers income replacement for a defined short period, which can range from a few weeks to up to six months, depending on the policy. The primary purpose is to help cover essential living expenses, such as rent, mortgage payments, and bills, during the recovery period when the insured person is not earning their regular salary.

Given this focus on providing assistance for a limited timeframe, the option addressing income replacement for a short duration accurately reflects the core function of short-term disability insurance. Other options, such as lifetime income replacement or full medical coverage, pertain to different types of insurance. Lifetime income replacement is more aligned with long-term disability coverage, and full medical coverage is typically offered by health insurance policies. Additionally, coverage for accidental injuries only does not capture the broader scope of conditions that short-term disability insurance might cover, which includes both illnesses and injuries, provided they result in temporary incapacity.