As a physician , your career is built on years of training, expertise, and dedication. But what happens if an injury or illness prevents you from practicing? Disability insurance ensures that your income—and financial security—remains protected, so you can focus on recovery rather than financial stress.
Why Disability Insurance Matters
Disability can happen to anyone, and physicians are at higher risk due to the physical demands of their work. Whether it’s a hand injury affecting a surgeon or a chronic condition limiting clinical duties, losing your ability to work can derail your financial future. A properly structured disability insurance policy provides income replacement so you can maintain your lifestyle, pay off student loans, and continue saving for long-term goals.
What Physicians Need to Know
Not all disability policies are created equal. Many employer-provided plans fall short in protecting your specific specialty or have hidden limitations that leave gaps in coverage. Customizing your coverage with the right policy structure and riders is essential.
We’ve called out some of the critical components and broken down the essentials into clear, easy-to-read guides so you can make informed decisions about protecting your future.
Own Occupation Coverage
Ensure your policy defines disability as the inability to perform your specific medical specialty, not just “any job.” Without this, you may be denied benefits if you can work in another field (e.g., consulting, teaching).
Partial Disability Coverage
Not all disabilities prevent you from working entirely. Residual or partial disability benefits provide income if you’re still able to work but at reduced capacity, preventing financial strain.
Future Insurability Option
Your income will rise dramatically post-training. A Future Insurability Option (FIO) lets you increase coverage without medical exams—critical for maintaining protection as earnings grow.
Allows You to purchase a Benefit Increase that will increase the amount of Your Monthly Disability Benefit under Your Policy and certain riders without providing medical evidence of insurability. The Benefit Increase You are eligible to purchase is limited by and based on YourIncome at the time You exercise the Future Insurance Option.
Disability Insurance Resources
Why Start in Residency
Locking in disability insurance during residency ensures lower rates, stronger coverage, and protection for your future income.
Understand Your Core Coverage
Not all disability policies are created equal—learn what’s covered, what’s not, and why the right policy matters.
Key Disability Insurance Riders
Riders can make or break your coverage—discover the must-have add-ons that enhance your policy’s protection.
Group vs. Private Coverage
Employer coverage is a start, but private disability insurance offers stronger, more flexible protection for physicians.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Many physicians make costly mistakes when choosing disability insurance—learn how to avoid them and secure the right coverage.