Story at-a-glance
- Waiting until after residency or fellowship to buy disability insurance can cost you more.
- You may lose access to discounts and risk exclusions or denial if your health changes.
- Your age, medical history, and specialty all impact your pricing and eligibility.
- Buying early means lower rates, better options, and more control over your coverage.
Why Many Doctors Wait… and Why They Shouldn’t
It’s easy to put off buying disability insurance during training.
You’re not earning a full attending salary yet. You’re busy. You figure you’ll deal with it later.
But here’s the truth: waiting until after residency or fellowship can cost you—financially and medically.
Let’s look at what really happens if you wait.
1. You’ll Likely Pay More
Disability insurance pricing is based on age and health. The older you are, the higher your premium—sometimes by 20–40% for the exact same coverage.
Rates increase with every birthday. If you wait even a year or two, your cost could go up permanently.
2. You Might Miss Out on Lifetime Discounts
Many top insurance companies offer resident and fellow discounts—but once you finish training, those discounts disappear.
And here’s the key:
If you get the discount now, it applies to all future coverage increases, too.
So waiting doesn’t just raise your price now—it raises your cost forever.
3. Your Health Could Change
Even something minor—like back pain, anxiety, or a surgery—can affect your ability to get coverage later.
If you apply after a diagnosis or new medical history, you might face:
- Higher premiums
- Policy exclusions
- Coverage limits
- Or even a full denial
The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to get coverage without restrictions.
4. You Lose the Chance to “Future-Proof” Your Coverage
During training, you can add a Future Increase Option rider. This lets you increase your benefit later—when you earn more—without another medical exam.
If you wait until after training to apply, you may not be eligible for that rider, or you may be required to requalify based on your health.
5. You’re Still at Risk Now
Disability doesn’t wait for you to finish training. Residents and fellows file claims every year for:
- Cancer
- Injury
- Surgery
- Mental health
- Accidents
If something happens before you buy coverage, it’s too late.
Final Thought
Waiting feels easier now—but it creates more risk later.
The best time to get disability insurance is while you’re young, healthy, and in training.
It’s simple, smart, and saves you money for years to come.
Ready to protect your future? Request your free quote using the button below.
We’ll help you find the right policy, with the right coverage and discounts—before it’s too late.
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