Story at-a-glance
- The best time to buy disability insurance is when you’re young, healthy, and early in your career.
- Waiting can cost you more—or limit your options.
- Residents and new attendings often qualify for discounted rates and simplified underwriting.
- Your health and age affect pricing and eligibility.
- Locking in coverage early protects your income when you need it most.
Why Timing Matters
Disability insurance protects your income if you get sick or injured and can’t work. For doctors and dentists, that coverage is critical—because your ability to earn a living depends on your mind, body, and hands.
But when’s the right time to buy a policy?
Answer: The sooner, the better.
Waiting can cost you more in monthly premiums—and it can also risk losing access to the best coverage.
The Ideal Time: Training or Early Practice
The best time to buy disability insurance is during residency, fellowship, or the first few years in practice. Here’s why:
- You’re younger – Age is a key factor in pricing. Younger doctors lock in lower rates.
- You’re (hopefully) healthy – If you develop a health issue later, it could raise your cost, add exclusions, or even prevent you from getting coverage.
- You qualify for discounts – Many insurers offer special discounts to residents, fellows, and new attendings. These can save you thousands over your career.
- You can increase coverage later – Riders like the Future Increase Option let you add more coverage as your income grows—without another medical exam.
What If I Wait?
Here’s what could happen if you delay:
- You develop a back issue or anxiety—and now that condition is excluded.
- You turn 35 or 40—and your premium jumps 20–30%.
- You lose access to trainee discounts you can’t get back.
- You’re left with group or association coverage that won’t fully protect your income or specialty.
Bottom line: waiting doesn’t save you money—it increases your risk.
Lock In Coverage While You Can
Disability insurance is one of those things you can’t just buy when you need it. You have to qualify for it when you’re healthy. That’s why the ideal time to buy is before anything happens—while you’re young, in training, and in control.
Even if you think you “don’t need it yet,” you’ll thank yourself later for locking in low-cost, high-quality coverage now.
Final Thought
You’ve worked too hard to let your income go unprotected.
Buying disability insurance early is one of the smartest financial moves you can make as a physician or dentist. It’s simple, affordable, and future-focused.
Want to see your options? Click below to get a free quote.
Our team helps residents, fellows, and attendings find the right coverage—fast and easy.
Ready to protect your future?
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