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Doctor Disability: Why You Need Physician Disability Insurance

November 7, 2012 by Chuck Krugh, CFP

physician disability insurance

Story at-a-glance

  • Physicians have high incomes to protect—but traditional safety nets like Social Security fall short.
  • Medical school debt is massive, with most grads owing $119K–$150K+ that still needs paying if you’re disabled.
  • Most disabilities aren’t work-related, so workers’ comp doesn’t apply—even for less physically demanding roles.
  • Physician disability insurance covers you when illness or injury stops your ability to earn.
  • Doctor Disability offers expert help and free quotes, comparing top insurers to find the right coverage for you.

As a medical professional, physician disability insurance may not be a top priority. It doesn’t have the dangers or extreme physical requirements of say, a logger or commercial fisherman. But physician disability insurance can help you protect your livelihood. Here’s why.

First, doctors have more income to insure. The average median salary for physicians exceeds $100,000. Safety nets, such as Social Security or workers compensation, aren’t sufficient to cover salary gaps if they do experience a disability.

Second, there is medical school debt. Doctors accrue some of the highest levels of education debt in the country- debt that can take years to pay off. The American Medical Student Association estimates that over 86% of graduates carry education debt. The median debt burden for public schools is $119,000. Private school graduates may find that number boosted to nearly $150,000. Along with that, physician income has only increased slightly, and not enough to compensate for the increases in tuition and medical school debt.

Finally, most disabilities aren’t job-related. Even if you don’t have a physically demanding position, most injuries, illnesses, and other disabilities don’t occur on the job. And on average, illness and injuries affect everyone at the same rate, regardless of your occupation.

It is essential that as a physician you take steps to protect your income. Doctor Disability specializes in provident occupation disability insurance to physicians and dentists. Whether you are an anesthesiologist, radiologist, ER physician, or surgeon, you will find relevant information on how you can protect your career and your livelihood. You can save time and money by comparing plans and prices from multiple insurance companies. We provide free quotes from leading names in the disability insurance industry along with friendly, knowledgeable customer support. For more information on physician disability insurance, please contact us today to speak to one of our disability insurance professionals.

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CategoriesPhysicians Disability Insurance TagsAmerican Medical Association,  physician disability insurance

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