Disability insurance insures an employee’s earned income against the risk of injury or illness that result in the employee being unable to work. Disability insurance covers paid sick leave, short-term disability benefits, and long-term disability benefits. Disability insurance can be purchased by employers, employees whose employer does not offer disability insurance, and the self-employed. While disability insurance and workers compensation insurance can both cover job-related injuries and illnesses, disability insurance also covers injuries and illnesses occurring outside of work.