Disability Income Insurance for Residents

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why should I consider buying disability insurance during my residency?
  In many cases, Resident group disability insurance may not be enough. The group benefits end when your residency ends. For some specialties, buying your disability insurance during residency will save you money because insurance companies will not rate certain surgical specialties.
• As a Resident, are there any other reasons to buy disability insurance?
  In some specialties, "own occupation" protection to age 65 is not available once you're done with your residency; however, it can be "locked in" as a Resident.
• How much disability insurance should I have?
  Many financial advisors suggest that you secure as much as possible! This can lock in the cost at a younger age and can guarantee your future options.
• Can I build in options to purchase more coverage when I am done with Residency and earning more income?
  Yes, you can build in options to buy more benefits without going through the underwriting process again, even if you're not in good health.
• What if I intend to work part time or plan to take time out to raise children?
  There are special contracts that allow you to move your coverage up or down as conditions change in your life.
• What is "own occupation" definition and why is it important?
  In some contracts own occupation states that if you cannot perform the material and substantial duties of your occupation/specialty, you may qualify for benefits. For some specialties, the benefits will continue even if you are working in another occupation. This own occupation definition is very important to most physicians.
• What are the chances of becoming disabled?
  Between the ages of 35 and 65, you have a 30% chance of becoming disabled — and unable to work — for 90 days or longer.¹
• What is the definition of being disabled?
  Although specific definitions are specific to a policy, in general there are three categories of disability:
  • Partial disability:
    Built into some income protection policies, available as a rider with others, this provision pays a portion of the total disability benefit if you're unable to perform one or more of your occupational duties because of disability.
  • Total disability:
    A definition of disability based on your inability to perform the important duties of your regular occupation because of injury or sickness.
  • Recurrent disability:
    Term used to describe situations where a disability occurs, once you recover for a short period of time, then experience a recurrence of the same or a related disability. Recurrent disabilities do not have to wait until the elimination period is over before benefits can be received.

¹Commissioner's Disability Table A, Society of Actuaries, 1985. Chances of disability occurring before age 65 and lasting longer than 90 days.

Please contact Wisconsin Medical Society Insurance & Financial Services, Inc at 866.442.3810 or through our on-line contact form to learn more.