Disability isn't a short-term setback for most people—it's a long-term life change. A recent analysis from Zurich Insurance Group Germany shows: A disability claim lasts an average of 93 months. That's nearly eight years. This makes clear just how profound an impact such an event can have on your personal and financial life planning.

"If you can't work for years, you have to completely reorganize your life—financially, professionally, and privately," says Andreas Runkler, Head of Life Product Development at Zurich. For many, this involves fundamental questions that go far beyond just lost income.

The data also shows that disability is no longer limited to traditionally high-risk occupations. Zurich most frequently registers claims among medical personnel, administrative workers, and educational professionals. "These are jobs with high responsibility, constant time pressure, and significant emotional demands," Runkler explains.

The distribution of causes is equally clear. "The main driver of disability is mental health," Runkler emphasizes. Around 30 percent of all disability cases have been due to mental illness for years. This is followed by cancer and musculoskeletal diseases, each at about 20 percent. Notably, these proportions have barely changed over the past three to five years.

Beyond the duration of claims, the analysis reveals a second major challenge: the amount of coverage. In 2025, Zurich paid an average disability pension of around 900 euros per month. "In many cases, this amount isn't enough for a decent living—especially when disability lasts for years," says Runkler. With long claim durations, this creates a significant coverage gap. Employees should choose their disability pension to cover about 70 to 80 percent of their net income, or a maximum of 60 percent of gross income. For self-employed individuals, a value of around 60 percent of pre-tax profit is recommended.

Against this backdrop, regularly reviewing your coverage becomes more important. Salary increases or career changes should be reflected in the amount of your disability pension. At the same time, the analysis shows that disability doesn't necessarily mean the end of your working life. "With targeted rehabilitation measures, adjusted duties, or a gradual return, many affected individuals can get back into the workforce," Runkler notes.

For you, this means that disability insurance isn't a "set it and forget it" product. As your income grows, your coverage needs to grow too. Otherwise, you risk a severe shortfall just when you need protection most. The average claim of nearly eight years underscores that this isn't a temporary problem—it's a life-altering event that requires robust, regularly updated coverage. Don't wait until it's too late to check if your policy still fits your current situation.