In a Disability Income policy, which of these clauses acts as a deductible?

The elimination period in a Disability Income policy serves as a crucial time frame after a disability occurs before the benefits begin to be paid. This period is similar to a deductible in that it requires the insured to bear a portion of the financial burden upfront before receiving any payment from the insurance policy.

During the elimination period, which may range from a few weeks to several months, the insured must manage their expenses without benefits. This delay incentivizes the policyholder to return to work or explore other recovery options, as they will only start receiving income benefits after successfully navigating this waiting phase.

This structure effectively makes the elimination period a financial responsibility the insured must fulfill before gaining access to their benefits, similar to how a deductible requires payment before insurance coverage kicks in. Other options mentioned do not function in the same manner; for example, the residual benefit clause and termination clause relate to claims processing and policy terms but do not stand as a threshold that must be met before benefits begin.