High-income professionals face a growing challenge: protecting their lifestyle and financial security if they become disabled. Standard group long-term disability (LTD) policies often fall short, replacing just a fraction of earnings. For executives, physicians, attorneys, and other professionals earning over $500,000 annually, that gap can be devastating.
That’s where High Limit Guaranteed Standard Issue (GSI) disability coverage comes in. GSI plans provide streamlined, hassle-free protection for top earners - bridging the coverage gap and helping employers attract and retain key talent.
A GSI plan is an excess disability insurance layer designed specifically for highly compensated employees. Unlike traditional group LTD or supplemental individual disability insurance (IDI), GSI offers:
- Simplified enrollment: No exams or financial underwriting, just two health questions.
- Higher benefit limits: Up to $50,000 per month in additional coverage.
- Streamlined process: Employer-sponsored with one master application.
- Broader protection: Ensures up to 60% income replacement for high earners.
If your clients rely solely on group LTD, chances are they’re only covered at 30–40% of income. GSI fills that gap.
How GSI Enhances Existing Disability Coverage
Most employers already provide group LTD coverage, and some supplement it with multi-life IDI. But together, those still leave top earners exposed. Adding a GSI Excess Disability layer ensures:
- Top Executive Earners: Protect up to 60% of income.
- Retention & recruiting power: High earners value benefits that match their compensation.
- Employer differentiation: GSI can set your client's benefits package apart.
Real-World Scenario: Top Performers Left Underinsured
We recently worked with an asset management firm in the Bay Area that faced a significant challenge: adequately protecting the highest earners in the firm.
Despite having Group LTD and Supplemental IDI plans in place, their top earners were still underinsured, with less than a 40% income replacement ratio. By implementing a strategic GSI solution, we were able to elevate their income replacement ratio to the targeted 60%.
Through a multi-life GSI policy, the top performers secured up to an additional $25,000 per month in disability coverage. The employer sponsored the plan, and enrollment was streamlined through our online platform - delivering both simplicity and meaningful protection.
Why a Specialist Approach Matters
Designing and implementing GSI programs requires expertise. Success depends on:
- Strategic Design: to maximize participation and efficiency.
- Dedicated Support: during enrollment to simplify the employee experience.
- Proven Best Practices: that ensure coverage aligns with both employer and employee goals.
That's where partnering with specialists makes the difference.
Implementing a GSI plan is more than just filling a coverage gap - it’s about giving executives and employers peace of mind. With decades of experience in the high-limit market, our team knows how to design programs that drive participation, simplify enrollment, and deliver the right level of protection for top earners.
For advisors, bringing GSI to the table strengthens client relationships, differentiates your practice, and ensures your clients’ most valuable employees are truly protected.
Next Step for Advisors: Download our GSI Overview or Schedule a call with our team to explore how GSI could fit into your clients’ planning.
