Every policy has different features.
The following checklist will help you compare policies you may be considering:
1. How is disability defined? Is it defined as the inability to perform your own job, or inability to do any job?
We recommend all our clients, as physicians, to obtain a policy that protects them in their own specialty. This kind of policy is defined as an own-occupation policy, which protects the income you earn in your own specialty and continues to pay benefits if your disability requires that you choose a new specialty or occupation.
2. Are benefits available for partial or residual disability, as well as for full disability?
The most comprehensive policies will pay you a benefit even if you are not completely disabled. If you can only earn up to 20% of your income you are deemed totally disabled; if you can earn 80% or more you are deemed totally well. Partial or residual policies pay benefits when you fall in the category between 20-80%.
3. Are full benefits paid, whether or not you are able to work, for loss of sight, loss of hearing, or loss of limbs?
This is called presumptive disability. Some policies do not cover presumptive disability, some cover you for a specified amount of time, and some protect you for life.
4. What is the maximum benefit I am eligible for?
The amount is based on your income to a maximum of $15,000 per month for one company, and $20,000 total.
5. Is the policy non-cancelable, guaranteed renewable, or conditionally renewable?
The most comprehensive policies are non-cancelable and guaranteed renewable; these put you in total control, not the insurance company, practice or association. The insurance company cannot raise rates, cannot reduce benefits, add exclusions, or cancel your policy at anytime. You are in control, and the policy is portable and goes wherever you go.
6. How long must you be disabled before premiums are waived?
Premiums are waived at the end of the waiting period and refunded for the amount paid during the waiting period.
7. Is there an option to buy additional coverage, without undergoing additional medical tests or examinations, at a later date?
This kind of coverage is called guaranteed issue disability insurance and is available to those who qualify.
8. Does the policy offer an inflation adjustment feature? If so, what is the rate of inflation? Is there a maximum?
This feature is available by an added rider. Ask a licensed DI4MDs.com agent if inflation protection fits your needs at this time.
…at DI4MDs we can help you determine the following:
What is an adequate level of benefits in relation to your present and future obligations?
How long a waiting period (until benefits begin) should you select to fit your situation?
How long do you want to receive disability income should it become necessary?
How much coverage can you get at your current salary?
The most important definition when insuring someone in a highly specialized occupation. For example, if a surgeon can no longer perform surgical procedures but can return to work full time as a general practitioner, he still qualifies for full disability benefits under the Own-Occ provision.
This provision gives the insured total control over the policy. The insurance company cannot raise rates, reduce benefits, or add exclusions after the policy is in force. This provision also extends the presumptive disability benefit to lifetime.
Policies pay residual benefits whenever income is reduced by 20 percent or more with a loss of time or duties due to disability. For example, if a policyholder earned $100,000 annually, was disabled and then returned to work earning $50,000 annually, she would have a 50 percent loss of earnings, and thus qualify for a 50 percent residual benefit.
The future purchase option rider allows the insured to buy additional monthly benefits on specific option dates. This is regardless of the insured’s health, as long as the earned income at the time justifies the increase of benefits.
