If you have to choose between buying short or long term disability insurance, most people select long term disability insurance. That is because most people can survive a few months of not having an income, but it is difficult for most people to go without their paycheck for many months or years.
If you are trying to decide whether to buy any disability insurance at all, it depends on your income (whether your family depends on it), your health and occupation (whether you qualify for a policy), and the cost of the policy (whether you can afford it). If you are living on minimum wage, buying long term disability insurance is not going to fit in your budget. If you are the breadwinner in your family, don't have a large amount of savings, and have a moderate to good standard of living, it is almost essential to do long term disability insurance.
If you are trying to decide whether to buy any disability insurance at all, it depends on your income (whether your family depends on it), your health and occupation (whether you qualify for a policy), and the cost of the policy (whether you can afford it). If you are living on minimum wage, buying long term disability insurance is not going to fit in your budget. If you are the breadwinner in your family, don't have a large amount of savings, and have a moderate to good standard of living, it is almost essential to do long term disability insurance.