As a physician, you’ve spent years investing in your education and training, positioning yourself for a rewarding career. But have you considered what would happen if you suddenly couldn’t work due to illness or injury? Your ability to earn an income is your most valuable asset—and protecting it should be a top priority.
That’s where disability insurance comes in. Over the past few weeks, we’ve shared a series of bite-sized YouTube Shorts breaking down the essential details of physician disability insurance. Now, it’s time to bring everything together in one place and dive deeper into why disability insurance is a non-negotiable part of every doctor’s financial plan.
Think of disability insurance as the foundation of your entire financial future. You insure your home, your car, and your health—so why wouldn’t you insure your income? Without it, a sudden disability could derail your career, leaving you struggling to pay off student loans, support your family, or maintain your lifestyle.
💡 Key Takeaway: Disability insurance ensures that even if you can’t work due to an illness or injury, you’ll continue receiving income to cover your expenses and financial obligations.
Many doctors mistakenly believe that they don’t need disability insurance because they’re young, healthy, or covered by their employer. Big mistake. Here’s why:
Employer coverage isn’t enough – Most group disability policies only cover 60% of your salary—and that’s before taxes. Plus, they often don’t include own-occupation coverage, which is critical for physicians.
Disabilities are more common than you think – More than 1 in 4 workers will experience a disability during their career.
It’s cheaper to lock in a policy early – Waiting until you’re older or have health issues can drastically increase your premiums or even make you ineligible for coverage.
Not all disability insurance policies are created equal. The right riders (policy add-ons) can make a huge difference in your coverage. Some of the most important riders include:
✅ True Own-Occupation – Ensures you get paid even if you can work in another field but can’t perform your specialty.
✅ Residual Disability – Provides partial benefits if you can work but experience a loss of income due to a disability.
✅ Future Purchase Option – Allows you to increase your coverage later without reapplying (even if your health changes).
On the flip side, policies also include exclusions, meaning they won’t cover certain conditions. It’s crucial to understand these limitations before purchasing a policy.
The best time to buy disability insurance? Before you finish residency or fellowship.
Why?
Lower premiums – You can lock in discounted rates while you're still in training.
No medical issues yet – The younger and healthier you are, the easier it is to qualify.
Employer policies aren’t enough – They often lack true own-occupation coverage and may not follow you if you switch jobs.
Buying disability insurance can be overwhelming. That’s why working with a broker is one of the smartest moves you can make. A broker compares policies from multiple carriers (instead of pushing a single company’s plan) to ensure you get the best coverage at the best price.
💡 Pro Tip: Brokers don’t cost you extra—they’re paid by the insurance companies, so you get expert guidance for free.
If you’re a physician, disability insurance isn’t optional—it’s a necessity. Your future self will thank you for taking this step now.
🎥 Want to learn more? Watch our full YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/MGfqwBiqc44?si=QL3UtGmfS4wlfbiT
Have questions or need help finding the right policy? Let’s chat! Our team at Pattern specializes in helping physicians secure the best disability insurance—quickly and hassle-free. Get started today!