Guides
These are the concepts that matter most before you talk to anyone selling a policy.
Own-occupation vs. any-occupation
The single most important thing physicians misunderstand about disability insurance.
Why group LTD isn't enough
The 60%-of-salary, capped, and taxable trap most employed physicians don't know they're in.
Riders, explained
Residual, future increase option, cost-of-living, and catastrophic disability riders — what they actually do.
How much coverage do you actually need?
The 60-70% rule, and how loans, employer coverage, and spouse income change the number.
Guaranteed Standard Issue, explained
Why residents and fellows can lock in coverage with no medical underwriting — and why that window closes at graduation.
Guardian vs. Principal vs. MassMutual
A deep, sourced comparison of the three carriers most commonly recommended for physicians.
Disability insurance glossary
Elimination period, benefit period, own-occ, non-cancelable, and 20+ other terms, defined plainly.
By specialty
Occupation class and own-occupation availability vary by specialty.
Related decision
Disability coverage is one piece of a physician's financial picture — the other big one is student loan repayment strategy. Model PSLF vs. refinancing vs. aggressive payoff at MedDebt →