Originally Posted by
Qotsaautopilot
I disagree because I've shopped. The best policy I could find that defined disability based on your first class medical and went to age 65 didn't even start paying until year five of the disability. They are banking on you getting your medical back in the first five years. As a hypothetical spirit pilot that lost his medical that would leave a two year gap with no paycheck (years 3 and 4). The premiums were also outrageous.
The reason it needs to be in the contract is because it would be a group policy. That's the only way to get anything affordable. It would probably just like our medical plan in that it's self insured. This is why the good LTD plans are in every airlines' contracts, it's next to impossible to find a decent plan (pays with no/short waiting period, defines disability as not holding a first class, and pays to age 65) on your own.
I was referring to the group looking as a whole not as an individual. I'm with you that individual policies are not as beneficial on the open market and are pricey. To get the group on board here I think would be a stretch so hopefully people take this serious in the next contract. Hell we could all benefit in our twilight years when we lose our medical's for the dreaded snoring/sleep apnea! Probably the best thing the faa did for a pilot if you don't want to drive to 65 and make money while snoring!