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Carrier notes below are illustrative starting points, not a recommendation to buy from any specific carrier. Always compare underwritten quotes from more than one source.
Physician-friendly carriers
Guardian
Considers a proceduralist totally disabled if they can't perform the procedures generating more than 50% of their income, even while working in another capacity.
Notable rider: Enhanced True Own-Occupation Rider
Often cited as the most expensive of the five; residency Guaranteed-Standard-Issue program has broad training-program reach.
Principal
Historically known for preferential rates for female physicians — discontinued for individual attending-physician policies as of January 1, 2021.
Notable rider: Transitional Own-Occupation Benefit
That advantage may still apply in some multi-life or group arrangements. Also bridges pre- and post-disability income if you have to change careers.
MassMutual
Most competitors' true own-occupation protection reverts to any-occupation after around 24 months — MassMutual's can extend for life.
Notable rider: Lifetime Own-Occupation Rider
Own-occupation is an add-on rider here, not built into the base contract. Also offers a student-loan-repayment rider.
The Standard
Distinctive Family Care Benefit lets you claim if you step away to care for a seriously ill family member — not available in California or New York.
Notable rider: Family Care Benefit
Capped at twice over the life of the policy, with a combined total of 6x the monthly benefit across all claims.
Ameritas
Often cited as the most favorable partial-disability structure among the five, but carries the lowest financial-strength rating of the group.
Notable rider: Nondisabling Injury Benefit
Nondisabling Injury Benefit covers treatment costs for injuries that don't rise to a disabling event.
Comdex is an industry-standard financial-strength composite score (0–100). Cost tier reflects relative positioning among these five carriers, not an absolute price quote.
How the tools stack up
| Site | Interactive calculator | Specialty-level granularity | Sourced methodology | Free, no sign-up | Independent (not agency-run) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MedDisabilityCalc (us) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| SalaryDr | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | — |
| MedMoneyGuide | ✓ | — | — | ✓ | — |
| White Coat Investor | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Physicians Thrive | — | — | — | — | — |
| InsuranceMD | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
Comparison compiled from public site research, 2026. Features change — verify current state before relying on this table.