Story at-a-glance
- Your disability insurance needs will grow as your income grows.
- You can increase coverage later, but you’ll usually need to go through medical underwriting again.
- If your health changes, you may be declined or limited.
- A Future Increase Option (FIO) rider lets you boost coverage later with no new medical exam—just proof of income.
- The best time to lock in your insurability is when you’re young and healthy.
Your Coverage Should Grow With You
When you’re just starting out—maybe in residency or early practice—you don’t need a huge disability policy. A basic benefit is enough to cover your student loans, rent, and living expenses.
But in a few short years, your income can double or triple. You may buy a house, have kids, or open your own practice.
Suddenly, that small policy isn’t enough anymore.
So what happens if you want to increase your coverage later?
You Have Two Options
There are two ways to increase your monthly benefit in the future:
1. Apply for a New Policy or More Coverage
This route requires full medical underwriting again. That means:
- Medical exams
- Health records
- Prescription history
- Possible exclusions or premium increases
If your health has changed—even slightly—your options could be limited.
2. Use a Future Increase Option (FIO) or Benefit Purchase Rider (BPR)
If your original policy includes this rider, you can boost your monthly benefit later without any medical questions.
You’ll just need to show proof of income. No exams. No health questions. No exclusions based on new conditions.
Why It Matters
Let’s say you bought a $5,000/month policy during residency. Three years later, you’re making $250,000 and want $10,000/month in coverage.
If you’ve had back pain, anxiety, or even minor surgery, that new coverage could:
- Be denied
- Be more expensive
- Come with exclusions
But with an FIO or BPR rider, you can make the upgrade with no medical underwriting—even if your health changed.
The Best Time to Plan
You must add the FIO or BPR rider when you first buy your policy. You can’t add it later.
It’s one of the most important features for doctors and dentists early in their careers.
Final Thought
Your future income deserves future protection. Planning now to increase coverage later—without medical red tape—gives you peace of mind and long-term flexibility.
Want help building a policy that grows with you? Click the button below to request a free quote.
We’ll show you how to lock in your insurability and make smart upgrades as your career takes off.
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