Story at-a-glance What counts as “disabled”? – Look for true own-occupation coverage that protects your specialty for the full benefit period.Can you still earn income elsewhere? – Top-tier policies let you work in another field while still receiving full benefits.How soon do benefits start? –

Story at-a-glance Student loans don’t disappear if you’re disabled – Even if you can’t work, you’ll likely still owe what you borrowed.Loan forgiveness is limited and slow – Federal discharge only applies to total and permanent disability—and approval can take years.Disability benefits can be

Story at-a-glance Yes, medical students can benefit – Even without income, you can protect your future earning potential with low-cost coverage.Disability can strike young – Chronic illness, accidents, and injuries often onset in your 20s.Lock in future insurability now – A future increase

Story at-a-glance Disability insurance is still medically underwritten – Unlike health insurance, you can be denied coverage or charged more if you have a health history.Exclusion riders help you get coverage – They allow insurers to approve your policy while excluding claims related to

Story at-a-glance Disability insurance pays if you can’t work—but what if you can work but are still hit with big expenses from cancer, a heart attack, or MS?Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum when you're diagnosed with a covered condition—even if you're still able to work.The two

Story at-a-glance Only 5% of disabilities are work-related, meaning worker’s comp won’t apply to most illnesses or injuries.Worker’s comp payouts are tiny – In California, the max benefit is ~$63K/year, while doctors earn $200K–$300K+.Disabilities are more likely to come from illness than

Story at-a-glance Federal disability benefits are minimal – The average payout is only $1,358/month, not even 10% of a doctor’s typical income.Approval is slow and difficult – Fewer than 1 in 3 are approved on first try, and appeals can take 2+ years.Doctors have higher-than-average risk –

Story at-a-glance Pregnancy isn’t a “preexisting condition” – A woman suffered a stroke after childbirth and was initially denied disability insurance benefits.Insurer said her stroke was caused by pregnancy – The company argued preeclampsia was a result of a preexisting pregnancy.Court ruled