Story at-a-glance
- Two incomes mean more safety but also more risk if one stops.
- Disability insurance keeps money coming in if you get hurt or sick.
- Both spouses can get training-rate discounts that stay low for life.
- Most doctors should cover 60–70% of income with room to grow later.
- Protecting income protects your life together now and in the future.
Marriage changes everything — including how you think about money.
Two incomes mean more stability. But it also means more responsibility. Rent, student loans, car payments, and maybe kids down the road — all of it depends on both of you staying healthy and able to work.
So here’s the question most couples in training never stop to ask:
What happens if one of us can’t?
Why It Matters
As residents, both incomes are usually spoken for. There’s not a lot of extra room in the budget. If one of you got sick or injured and couldn’t work for a year — or longer — could you still cover your bills, loans, and living expenses?
For most couples, the answer is no.
That’s where disability insurance comes in. It replaces your paycheck if you can’t work because of illness or injury. It’s the safety net that keeps your household running when life doesn’t go as planned.
Protecting Two Incomes
If both of you are in medicine, dentistry, or another high-income field, your future earnings together are massive — likely millions of dollars over your careers.
Disability insurance protects that future.
The good news? Residents and fellows can get discounted “training rates” through hospital and residency programs. Those rates are up to 20% lower than what you’ll pay after graduation — and they stay locked in for life.
So, if both spouses are in training, each can apply under their own discounted program and save thousands over the years.
What if Only One of You Works in Medicine?
Even if only one spouse is a doctor or dentist, disability insurance still matters.
That one income is the foundation for everything else — student loan payments, housing, and family goals.
A good own-occupation disability policy will replace that income if an illness or injury stops you from practicing, so your family doesn’t have to drain savings or take on debt to stay afloat.
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
You don’t need to overthink it. Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
- Each spouse should insure 60–70% of their gross income.
- Start with the maximum available to residents — usually $5,000–$8,000 per month.
- Add a Future Increase Option so your coverage can grow automatically once you’re attendings.
It’s a simple step that can protect your household for decades.
Real Example
Dr. James and Dr. Patel were both residents — one in anesthesia, one in pediatrics.
They each bought discounted disability policies through their hospital program before graduating.
Five years later, Dr. Patel developed a serious hand injury that forced her out of clinical work for a year. Her policy replaced most of her income, and their financial goals never missed a beat.
Because they planned ahead, one setback didn’t derail their future.
The Bottom Line
When you’re married, your financial lives are connected. If one income stops, both feel it.
Disability insurance for married residents is about teamwork — protecting each other and the future you’re building together.
It’s one of the smartest, simplest financial decisions you can make during training.
Next Step: Protect Both Incomes — and Your Future Together
Our team helps resident and fellow couples lock in discounted disability coverage before graduation.
👉 Request your free disability insurance quotes today.
Because protecting your income is really about protecting your life together.
Ready to protect your future?
Get a personalized side-by-side policy comparison of the leading disability insurance companies from an independent insurance broker.
