What is "short-term disability insurance"?

Short-term disability insurance is designed to provide income replacement for individuals who are temporarily unable to work due to a short-duration illness or injury. The primary goal of this type of insurance is to help policyholders manage their financial obligations during a period when they are unable to earn their usual income. Typically, short-term disability policies cover a specific portion of the individual's salary or wages for a designated length of time, usually ranging from a few weeks to several months.

This coverage is particularly beneficial for employees facing situations such as recovery from surgery, severe illness, or injury that does not last long but still prevents them from performing their job duties. The time-limited nature of this coverage helps bridge the gap between the onset of the disability and when the individual might be able to return to work or transition to long-term disability coverage if needed.

The other options listed describe different types of insurance or coverage situations that do not align with the specific purpose of short-term disability insurance. This makes the first choice the clear and correct definition within the context of the question.