The risk of disability to women is real. 54% of new long term disability claims were filed by women (iii). A 35 year female with an office job has an 18% chance of becoming disabled longer than three months.  Of those, 38% will be disabled longer than five years (iv). 

Estimated retirement income for women is 25% lower than it is for men and retired women are 80% more likely to be impoverished (v). When you also factor a longer life expectancy for women, the loss of income due to a disability would impact retirement savings even more. 

There have been noteworthy shifts in employment for women. 56% of dental students are women.vi  50.7% of medical school enrollees are women (vii).  51.6% of management and professional workers are women (viii). Women are investing significant amounts of time and money into their education and have high income levels to protect. 

Women need an insurance advocate.  With disability insurance, the premiums for women are higher than men.  Encouraging women to obtain coverage through their employer where available or applying for coverage as a group to get discounted premiums can make it easier for women to obtain the coverage they need at an affordable cost.