Your ability to earn an income is your most valuable asset. Disability insurance helps protect it — even before your career fully begins.
Disability insurance is one of the most important financial decisions a physician can make — and training is often the best time to act. Here’s why many residents choose to secure coverage early:
For many physicians, residency represents the single best opportunity to obtain long-term income protection at favorable terms.
Group plans often have limited benefits, may not cover your specialty, and aren't portable when you change jobs.
Delaying can mean higher premiums, and any new health conditions could limit your options or lead to exclusions.
Not all policies define disability the same way. Physicians should look for 'own-occupation' coverage that protects their ability to practice in their specific specialty.
A surgeon and an internist have very different needs. Your policy should reflect the unique demands of your specialty.
Fully portable, strongest coverage, tailored to your specialty. This is considered the gold standard of income protection for physicians.
Available through select residency programs with simplified underwriting — often with no medical exam required.
Basic protection often provided through your employer. Typically limited in benefit amount and not portable when you leave.
Your income as an attending physician will be significantly higher than it is during training. The right disability insurance strategy accounts for that growth.
Many residents choose to:
By starting early, you build a foundation that grows with your career — without the risk of future health changes limiting your options.
We’ll help you compare options and find the right coverage for your situation.
You may be eligible for a Guaranteed Issue disability insurance program designed specifically for physicians in training.
