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Physician Disability Insurance made simple
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Disability insurance is complicated.
Doctors shouldn’t have to take time to sort through a bunch of insurance quotes to find the best policy.
Don’t stress over insurance shopping, let us find the best coverage for you at the most affordable price.
Trusted by Over 20,000 Doctors
Thousands of Doctors nationwide have trusted us to help them compare, understand, and buy insurance.
We Know Your Time Is Valuable & Understand What It's Like To Get Ripped Off
Which is why thousands of Doctors have trusted us to help them compare and buy insurance.
How It Works

Step 1: Request Your Quotes
Fill out a simple form and we'll gather your personalized quote comparison form.

Step 2: Compare Your Options
Talk with us online to compare and understand what you're buying

Step 3: Secure Your Policy
We will handle boring paperwork so you can get back to what you'd rather be doing.
Start Your Research with the Beginners Guide to Disability Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to obtain my disability insurance through you?
No, the only thing you will ever pay is a premium to the insurance company itself.
How do we know you have no conflict of interest in your recommendations?
We are an independent agency, meaning that we do not have an affiliation with any one company. We are looking out for your best interests as we don’t have to meet any requirements to do business with any specific company. We actually get a finders fee from these insurance companies and they are all the same, so we don’t have any financial conflict of interest either.
Can I make changes to my disability insurance or life insurance policy?
Yes! If you want to make modifications to your application, just email your relationship manager at Pattern. Nothing is final until you sign your policy.
How are disability and life insurance rates determined?
This is based on your age, health, income, personal history, and state you practice. Once all these details are gathered, the insurance company runs an algorithm with your information to finalize a premium.
How can I get insurance or my contract reviewed without wasting my time?
We know that financial and legal products are complicated, and it takes too much time to research them all and to get pricing from a bunch of different companies. At Pattern we do all the work for you and give you all of your options at once, so you can be sure you understand what you’re buying and that you’re getting the right policy without wasting your time. We know you’ve got better things to do.
How do I get discounts?
During our quote request process, our team works hard searching for affiliation, unisex, and specific training rates for you to help you get the best offer possible.
How is Pattern different from other insurance companies?
We know how it feels to get ripped off, and we know that your time is valuable. That’s why we’ve helped thousands of doctors get the financial protection they need in a fast and simple way. We’re able to do that because we’re an independent broker, which means that we can get you quotes from different companies that will help you be confident you’re getting the perfect policy for you.
How long does it take to get a disability policy in place?Your Title Goes Here
In most cases, it takes between 1-3 months from start to finish!
If I'm a resident or fellow, will I need to increase my benefit amount once my training is done?
If you would like to, you can increase it! Once you receive a signed contract, get in touch with us. Your monthly benefit and premium will depend on your new income, age, and state you’ll be practicing. The process is simple and will not require you to undergo underwriting all over again.
What’s the process look like?
We’ve developed a simple plan that allows you to relax while we do the heavy lifting. The first step is simply to request your quotes. The second is to compare the policy options that we put together for you and get answers to any questions you have. And the third is to apply and buy risk-free.
When am I officially in the underwriting stage?
Underwriting starts as soon as your application is in. The insurance company verifies information and we gather additional details such as health, travel, and personal history to determine the best rate possible.
How much does disability insurance cost?
The cost of disability insurance depends on several factors, including:
- your age and health
- your medical specialty
- the monthly benefit you choose
- policy features (like riders and benefit length)
In general, physicians often spend 1–3% of their income on disability coverage. A higher monthly benefit or shorter waiting period will increase the premium.
Does my premium increase every year?
If you choose a non-cancelable policy, the insurance company cannot raise your premium as long as the policy is active and you keep the same coverage.
Your premium will only increase if you choose to increase your coverage amount.
If I increase my coverage later, does my premium go up?
Yes. If you increase your monthly benefit (for example, when your income rises), your premium will increase proportionally to the new coverage level.
However, the original portion of your coverage keeps its original pricing.
How do I know how much coverage I need?
Most physicians aim to replace 60–70% of their income with disability insurance. The right amount depends on:
- your current salary
- student loans
- living expenses
- whether you have other coverage
An advisor can help determine the appropriate monthly benefit.
Can I increase my coverage after residency?
Yes. Many policies include a Future Increase Option (FIO) rider that allows you to increase your coverage as your income grows.
This additional coverage means you can start with a smaller policy during training and expand coverage later when you become an attending.
Do I have to go through medical underwriting again to increase coverage?
If your policy includes a Future Increase Option, you can typically increase coverage without new medical underwriting.
You usually only need to verify your increased income.
When can I increase my coverage?
With a Future Increase Option rider, increases can usually occur when:
- Your income rises
- You complete the training
- You reach specific policy milestones
Your advisor can guide you through these windows.
What does "own-occupation" mean?
“Own-occupation” disability insurance means you receive benefits if you cannot perform your specific medical specialty, even if you could work in another job.
For example, a surgeon who can no longer operate could still receive benefits even if they teach or work in another field.
What is an elimination period?
The elimination period is the amount of time you must wait after becoming disabled before benefits begin.
Common options are:
- 60 days
- 90 days
- 180 days
A longer elimination period usually results in a lower monthly premium, but it means waiting longer before payments start.
What is a benefit period?
The benefit period is the length of time your policy will pay benefits once you qualify for disability.
Common options include:
- 5 years
- 10 years
- to age 65 or 67
Does employer disability insurance cover me?
Many employers offer group disability coverage, but it often:
- covers only a percentage of income
- uses “any occupation” definitions
- may not follow you if you change jobs
Many physicians choose an individual policy to supplement employer coverage.
If one insurance company declines me, does that mean I'm uninsurable?
No. Each insurer has different guidelines for physician disability insurance coverage.
Being declined by one carrier does not automatically mean other companies will decline you.
Does disability insurance cover injuries and illnesses?
Yes. Disability insurance typically covers:
- injuries
- illnesses
- chronic medical conditions
The key requirement is that the condition prevents you from performing your occupation as defined by the policy.
When do disability benefits start?
Benefits begin after your elimination period ends and your claim is approved.
For example:
- Injury occurs
- 90-day elimination period
- Benefits start after that waiting period.
Can I work in another job while receiving benefits?
If you have a true own-occupation policy, you may still receive benefits even if you choose to work in a different field.
Policies vary, so reviewing the contract details is important.
When should physicians buy disability insurance?
Most advisors recommend purchasing disability insurance during medical school, residency, or fellowship, because:
- Premiums are lower when you’re younger
- You can lock in coverage before health issues arise
- You can increase coverage later as income grows
Why do residents buy disability insurance before becoming attendings?
Starting coverage early allows residents to:
- lock in insurability
- secure strong policy features
- Add coverage later using increase options
This approach protects future earning potential while keeping costs manageable early in your career.
