Story at-a-glance Know your loans first—check balances, interest rates, and repayment terms at studentaid.gov.Choose the right plan: PSLF and income-driven repayment options like SAVE or PAYE offer flexibility and potential forgiveness.Refinance wisely: Only consider this if you're not using
Not Using Your Disability Insurance: The Best-Case Scenario You Should Hope For
Story at-a-glance You’re more likely to become disabled than die during your working years as a doctor.Disability insurance protects your income and lifestyle—even if you never need to use it.Most physician disabilities aren't dramatic injuries—they’re chronic, mental health, or neurological
Do I Really Need Disability Insurance Now?
Reviewed by Chuck Krugh, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, Founder and CEO of DoctorDisability.Last updated .Direct answer: yes — if you can, buy disability insurance during residency, not after. You'll never be younger, healthier, or have easier access to no-underwriting coverage than you
What is Guaranteed Standard Issue (GSI) Disability Insurance, and Why Should Medical Residents and Fellows Care?
Story at-a-glance GSI gives you disability coverage with no medical exam—even if you have pre-existing conditions.Perfect for residents and fellows, GSI is fast, hassle-free, and guaranteed if your program offers it.If you're healthy, a fully underwritten policy may offer better pricing and
How Do I Choose the Best Disability Insurance Company?
Reviewed by Chuck Krugh, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, Founder and CEO of DoctorDisability.Last updated .A working broker's guide to evaluating the insurance company itself, not just the policy, including how to check financial strength yourself, what claims service actually tells you, and
How Do I Choose the Best Disability Insurance Policy?
Reviewed by Chuck Krugh, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, Founder and CEO of DoctorDisability.Last updated .The short answer: the best policy is a true own-occupation, non-cancelable individual policy sized to your income, with the right riders and a definition of disability you've actually
What is “Guaranteed Renewable and Non-Cancelable” Coverage, and Why is it Important for Doctors?
Reviewed by Chuck Krugh, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, Founder and CEO of DoctorDisability.Last updated .A working broker's guide to two contract guarantees that are usually sold together but are not actually the same thing, and why the difference matters more than most physicians realize
How Much of My Income Will Disability Insurance Replace if I’m Unable to Work?
Reviewed by Chuck Krugh, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, Founder and CEO of DoctorDisability.Last updated .Disability insurance is sized off carrier issue and participation grids, not a flat percentage of income. The dollar amount you can actually secure depends on your training stage, your