Disability insurance is a critical part of your financial security, but not all policies are created equal. Understanding the common pitfalls when choosing and maintaining your coverage will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your policy works as intended when you need it most.
One of the most common mistakes is opting for a policy that doesn’t replace enough of your income. Many people choose coverage that only replaces 50-60% of their earnings, which can leave them struggling to meet financial obligations in the event of a disability.
If your disability benefits aren’t enough to cover your essential expenses—like mortgage payments, student loans, and healthcare—you could find yourself financially strained when you’re already facing the stress of recovery. Make sure your disability insurance replaces a sufficient portion of your income (typically 60-80%) to cover your lifestyle and obligations.
While employer-provided group disability coverage is convenient and affordable, it often comes with limitations. Many group plans provide basic coverage that may not offer sufficient protection, particularly for high-income earners or those with significant debt.
Taxable Benefits: Group coverage benefits are usually taxable, which means you could be receiving less than you expected.
Benefit Caps: Group policies may have limits on how much you can receive, such as a cap of $15,000/month, which might not be enough for physicians with higher incomes.
No Customization: Group policies are one-size-fits-all, meaning they may not address your specific needs, such as your medical specialty or income fluctuations.
If you rely solely on group coverage, you could face a significant gap between what you receive and what you actually need to maintain your standard of living. Private coverage can help fill this gap with more flexibility and higher benefit amounts.
Not all disability policies are created equal when it comes to the definition of disability. Some policies use a restrictive Any Occupation definition, which means you’re only considered disabled if you can’t work in any job. For physicians, this could mean losing your benefits even if you can still work in a different capacity (e.g., consulting or teaching).
Own Occupation Coverage: This is the most favorable definition for physicians. It ensures that you’re covered if you can’t perform the duties of your specific medical specialty, even if you can work in another role.
Hybrid Definitions: Some policies use a hybrid definition, where you’re covered for the first few years under an Own Occupation definition, but it transitions to an Any Occupation definition later.
Without Own Occupation coverage, you could be denied benefits if you’re able to work in another field, even though your disability prevents you from practicing in your medical specialty.
Many disabilities don’t result in a complete inability to work. Instead, you may experience partial disability, where you can still perform some duties but at a reduced capacity. However, not all policies provide adequate coverage for partial disabilities.
Residual Disability: Look for policies that include residual or partial disability coverage, which pays out benefits if you can’t work full-time or perform some duties.
Loss of Income vs. Loss of Time: Make sure the policy defines partial disability in terms that make sense for your situation (e.g., loss of income, time, or duties).
Without partial disability coverage, you may not be eligible for benefits if you’re still able to work, but at a reduced income or hours. This coverage is essential for protecting your financial well-being if you’re unable to perform all your usual duties.
As your income increases, so should your disability insurance coverage. However, if your health changes down the road, you may face difficulties getting more coverage. That’s where Future Insurability Options (FIO) come in—this allows you to increase your coverage without having to undergo medical underwriting.
As a physician, your income will likely grow significantly over the course of your career. Having the option to increase coverage without additional medical exams is critical to ensure your disability benefits keep pace with your growing income.
Disability insurance needs change over time. Life events like marriage, children, or career advancement may significantly impact how much coverage you need.
If you don’t regularly review and update your policy, you could find yourself underinsured or paying for coverage that’s no longer needed. Ensure your policy is always aligned with your financial situation and life goals.
While cost is always a consideration, cheapest doesn’t always mean best when it comes to disability insurance. Opting for the lowest-priced policy may result in inadequate coverage or unfavorable terms that leave you vulnerable if you need to file a claim.
It’s essential to balance cost with coverage. Sometimes, paying a little more for a policy that offers comprehensive protection and customization will save you from financial distress down the road.
Avoiding these common pitfalls when selecting your disability insurance will ensure that you’re well-prepared for the unexpected. Carefully evaluate the coverage options, benefits, and terms of any policy to make sure it fits your needs today and in the future.