It can be a tempting cost-saving measure to hold off on obtaining dental insurance. After all, you likely take good care of your teeth at home, with regular brushing and flossing. Yet, even the most diligent at-home care can’t replace the benefits of professional checkups – or the value of dental insurance in helping to protect your overall health and finances. Without dental coverage, a crucial piece of your overall long-term health care strategy may be missing.

Life doesn’t always go according to schedule. An illness, injury—or even a healthy pregnancy—can suddenly pause your ability to practice. And when that happens, your income could take a hit unless you’ve planned ahead.

As a young physician, you know disability insurance is essential for protecting your income, but building smart, lasting protection isn’t always straightforward. Whether you’re buying your first policy or supplementing existing coverage, there’s a strategic way to maximize your benefits without overspending.

No one expects to face a sudden injury or illness that puts a pause on their ability to practice and earn an income – even temporarily. The reality? Women are statistically more likely to become disabled than their male colleagues.¹ And without the right coverage, your income, everything you’ve built, and the future you want for yourself and your family could be at risk from the unexpected.

Working as a locum or contractor can be incredibly appealing: greater flexibility, higher pay, and more opportunities to travel or spend time with loved ones. If you’re looking for a better work/life balance, this path might feel like exactly what you need at this stage of life.

You probably know exactly where your investment accounts stand. You might even be running a tight ship on your retirement planning. But when it comes to protecting the one thing that fuels all of it—your income—how dialed in are you?

Many physicians either assume they’re covered through work or bought a policy years ago and haven’t thought much about it since. But here’s the thing: a lot of disability insurance doesn’t go far enough when you actually need it. And unless you’ve taken a close look, you could be exposed in ways that could seriously impact your financial future.

Let’s break this down.

Group health insurance is often labeled a benefit only large practices can get, but that’s not the full picture. Depending on your situation, you might have more options than you think.

Having the right health plan is about more than just checking a box. It’s a way to help protect yourself, your family, and your practice. It’s not just about flexibility or having more providers in-network—a well-chosen plan may help you keep rising healthcare costs in check.