The cheapest time to lock in coverage is now
Individual DI pricing is based on your health at the time you apply, not your future attending income. Buying while young and healthy — with a future increase option rider — is how residents lock in low rates and the ability to raise coverage later without new medical underwriting.
Rider worth prioritizing
Future Increase Option
Lets you raise coverage later as your income jumps at attending level, without requalifying medically.
Residency-friendly carrier
Guardian
Often cited as the most expensive of the five; residency Guaranteed-Standard-Issue program has broad training-program reach.
Carriers compared
5
Guardian, Principal, MassMutual, The Standard, Ameritas — see the full comparison.
Guides by specialty
Related decision
Disability coverage is one piece of the picture — the other is your student loan repayment strategy as you move from resident to attending pay. Model PSLF vs. refinancing vs. aggressive payoff at MedDebt →
See your specific numbers
Pre-filled based on what's typical for this situation — adjust anything before you rely on it.
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