Disability Income Insurance a priority over Critical Illness Insurance?

In my honest opinion, absolutely not.

DII's biggest limitation is that it isn't a standardized definition.

"The inability to perform the material duties of one's occupation or a similar occupation with respect to the insured's level of education, training, or experience."

Sounds good but what does that really mean?

Can an accountant that lose a couple of fingers permanently qualify? How about if they lost their legs due to an amputation but can still have access to a wheelchair and do their job reasonably well still?

TPD and CI have defined definitions that you can meet by using test results and a doctor's diagnosis. DII isn't straightforward.

Do I think DII is bad? Definitely not. But who should buy DII.

Again this is my opinion but only if you pass these 3 rules.

1) You can't be easily replaced by an average Joe on the street.

2) You have specialised skills or training that took years to learn or master.

3) You hold reasonably high managerial and leadership positions that was given to you due to your experience.

So if you're an entry level desk bound executive. DII isn't going to be of much use.

But if you're a specialist in your field or a senior manager, then sure.

One last thing.

You can have cancer and still be able to do your job. Cancer may not be that debilitating for earlier stages. But an all stage CI payout will pay.

Just get a single claim accelerated CI term plan as a rider to a term life if you want to spend absolutely minimum (but I wouldn't personally advice this).