If you get injured--on or off-duty--and you're unable to work for a substantial amount of time, you can continue to receive a salary if you have short term disability insurance. This insurance policy compensates for your loss in revenue due to missed time at work. While most short term plans cover you for up to six months, often they'll reduce your compensation to 60 percent of your salary after a month. Short term disability insurance is beneficial for people with injuries and ailments that require only a few weeks of recovery--such as a bone fracture.