I have a medical problem with one of my hands that is impacting my ability to work.
I do have insurance but I'm not sure if my case qualifies after reading the disability application form.
You don't mention whether your policy is through your company or yourself. If through the company, you're going to have to follow HR and their steps to start the claims process. This can delay the process quite a bit because you have to satisfy their internal requirements first (make use of sick leave, annual leave, get manager involved, etc...).
You're not going to go through this process without a lot of scrutiny on your existing medical history and without conducting multiple medical examinations.
You might think it's overs for your hand, but they might try rehabilitation. In which case, you'll get temporary disability instead of permanent. This will go on for a period until either your hand improves, and you can return to work OR it doesn't, and you'll move on to permanent classification.
You also need to understand the rule systems in play. For example, if you can still do some degree of work in your field (e.g., lecturing as opposed to practical), that might not get you the claim you're hoping for. They might say "okay, you're unable to do A, but you can still do B and C".
Also, whatever they're going to payout (if it's even at the maximum), will be a percentage of a percentage. That figure in your policy is not reliable in other words. Good news though is that disability payments carry no tax.
Like most have said, the rule system is complex and quite involved.
I ended up googling and viewing past posts on reddit a few months ago. Though the geography differs, the process is pretty much above (insurers ruleset withstanding).
Also note that it will take a while before all of this is concluded and payments begin. Give 3 - 6 months' time frame, during which you'll need to support yourself. Again, it depends on the insurer.
