Recurrent Disability

What Does Recurrent Disability Mean?

A recurrent disability refers to a disability that arises from the same or a related cause as a previous disability. If the insured experiences a relapse within six months of returning to work, this second disability is considered a continuation of the initial disability for insurance purposes.

Insuranceopedia Explains Recurrent Disability

Some disability insurance policies include recurrent disability clauses. These clauses allow a worker to bypass the mandatory elimination period if they experience the same or a related disability within six months of returning to work after a medical leave for a prior disability. Anyone shopping for disability insurance should check whether a recurrent disability clause is part of the policy, since not every insurer includes one by default.

Recurrent disability clauses enable the insured to continue receiving their original disability benefits without interruption. This provision also encourages employees to return to work after medical leave without the fear of losing coverage if the condition recurs. For injuries that happen on the job, workers compensation handles recurring disabilities under its own set of rules, which can differ from those in a private policy.