Story at-a-glance
- Your income is your most valuable asset as a doctor or dentist.
- Even a short-term illness or injury can seriously affect your financial stability.
- Disability insurance helps protect your paycheck if you can’t work.
- It’s especially important if you have student loans, a family, or a mortgage.
- The best time to get covered is when you’re young, healthy, and early in your career.
Why It Matters
Let’s be honest—disability insurance isn’t something most doctors and dentists think about… until they need it. But the truth is, your ability to earn an income is the foundation of your entire financial plan.
You insure your car, your home, and your practice. But what about the one thing that pays for it all—your ability to work?
As a physician or dentist, your income depends on your health, hands, focus, and physical ability. If something happens and you can’t do your job, your income could disappear overnight.
It Happens More Than You Think
Most people think “disability” means a catastrophic accident. But that’s not usually the case. More common causes include:
- Cancer
- Back or neck injuries
- Mental health conditions
- Nerve issues
- Joint problems (especially for dentists)
According to the Council for Disability Awareness, 1 in 4 people will face a disability before they retire. And physicians and dentists aren’t immune—in fact, the physical and mental demands of your job may put you at greater risk.
What Disability Insurance Actually Does
If you get sick or hurt and can’t work, disability insurance replaces a portion of your income—usually 60–70%. That money helps you:
- Pay your mortgage or rent
- Cover student loans
- Keep your practice or lifestyle running
- Avoid dipping into savings or retirement accounts
The best policies are own-occupation, meaning they pay you if you can’t do your specific job—even if you can work in a different field.
Who Really Needs It?
If any of these apply to you, disability insurance is a must-have:
- You rely on your income to pay your bills
- You have student debt
- You support a spouse or children
- You’d struggle to cover expenses if you missed even a few months of work
- You’re in residency or early practice and want to lock in low rates
Final Thought
You worked hard to get where you are. Don’t leave your future to chance.
Disability insurance is peace of mind—knowing that if life throws you a curveball, your income is still protected.
Ready to see your options? Request a free quote using the button below.
We specialize in helping doctors and dentists find the right policy—fast, simple, and with discounts you can lock in for life.
Ready to protect your future?
Get a personalized side-by-side policy comparison of the leading disability insurance companies from an independent insurance broker.
