In insurance terminology, what is meant by recurrent disability?

Recurrent disability refers to a situation where a previously disabled individual experiences a return of the same illness or condition within a specified period after having recovered sufficiently to go back to work or normal activities. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of health and disability insurance, as it affects how claims are processed and benefits are provided.

In many insurance policies, there are designated timeframes that define when a recurrence of a condition will be treated as a new incident versus a continuation of the previous disability. If a covered individual returns to work and later finds themselves unable to work again due to the same illness within that predetermined period, insurers will often allow for a streamlined claims process rather than treating it as an entirely new claim.

Understanding this concept is critical for both insurers and policyholders because it can impact how benefits are calculated, how often claims can be filed, and what kind of coverage is available for individuals facing ongoing health issues. Properly defining recurrent disability helps ensure that policyholders receive adequate support for their health challenges without facing unnecessary delays or denials of benefits.