Questions & answers · Disability insurance
I have a disability insurance claim in Texas — what do I have to send, and by when?
Disability insuranceHow to fileTexasChecked Nov 6, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-06 · Source: Texas Insurance Code · Chapter 1201 · § 1201.211(a) (Policy Provision: Notice of Claim) View original ↗
In short
What this means
Texas sets paperwork dates for an individual accident and health insurance policy. Written notice of a claim must be given to the insurer before the 21st day after the loss begins [1]. If that is not possible, send it as soon after as you reasonably can [1].
Proof of loss runs on two clocks, and which one you are on matters. If your benefit is a periodic payment that depends on the loss continuing, written proof of loss is due before the 91st day after the end of the period the insurer is liable for [2]. For any other loss, it is due before the 91st day after the date of the loss [2]. So a monthly benefit starts a fresh clock each period. It does not run from the day you first got sick.
What counts as a disability is not in those dates. That comes from the definitions in your own policy. These sources do not say your benefit amount, and they do not say whether your case qualifies.
Your next step
Send written notice to the insurer today if day 21 is close [1]. Then write down your proof-of-loss date: day 91 after the loss, or day 91 after the benefit period ends if your benefit is paid periodically [2]. Keep a copy of everything you send and the date you sent it.
Check it yourself
Open your policy and read two definitions: total disability and partial disability. Read them next to what you are claiming. Whether your own case meets those words: "Don't know yet" here.
Where this comes from (2)
[1] Texas Insurance Code · Chapter 1201 · § 1201.211(a) (Policy Provision: Notice of Claim) · checked 2026-11-06
Notice of Claim: A written notice of claim must be given to the insurer before the 21st day after the date of the occurrence or beginning of any loss covered by the policy, or as soon after that date as is reasonably possible.
[2] Texas Insurance Code · Chapter 1201 · § 1201.213 (Policy Provision: Proof of Loss) · checked 2026-11-06
For a claim for loss for which this policy provides any periodic payment contingent on continuing loss, a written proof of loss must be provided to the insurer at the insurer's designated office before the 91st day after the termination of the period for which the insurer is liable. For a claim for any other loss, a written proof of loss must be provided to the insurer at the insurer's designated office before the 91…
How we found this
We matched your question to 2 official sources, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-06.
What we don’t know yet
Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.
Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.
Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.
This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
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