--- title: Avoid This Costly Mistake When Protecting Your Income description: If you find you have a gap in your income protection coverage the time to address it is now, before you actually need your disability benefit. image: https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/May%202022/may_2022_week_2_disability.png --- - [800-880-8181](tel:800-880-8181) - [CONTACT US](https://www.tmait.org/contact) - [SELF-SERVICE PORTAL](https://tmait.aebsys.com/#/) [![](https://www.tmait.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/logo.png?width=197&name=logo.png)](https://www.tmait.org/) Topics All Accident Insurance Accidental Death and Dismemberment Auto & Home Insurance Auto Insurance Business of Medicine Business Overhead Expense Insurance Comparing Insurance Providers COVID-19 FAQs Critical Illness Insurance Dental Insurance Disability Insurance Employed Physicians Family Featured Financial Advice Group Benefits Group Coverage Health Insurance Homeowners Insurance HSA Independent Contractor Independent Physician Individual Coverage Insurance For Good Insurance for Women Insurance Review Key Person Insurance Life Events Life Insurance Locum Tenens Medevac Insurance Medical Insurance Medical Practice Medicare Medicare Part D Medicare Supplement Medigap Nearing Retirement Office Overhead Expense Insurance Open Enrollment Personal Umbrella Insurance Pet Insurance Practice Management Practice Managers Practice Owners Prescription Drug Coverage Renters Insurance Residents Retired Physicians Retirement Short Term Disability Short-Term Medical Insurance Supplemental Hospital Indemnity Insurance Term Life Insurance Travel Insurance Vision Insurance Women Physicians Young Physicans Young Physicians ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/May%202022/may_2022_week_2_disability.png) [Disability Insurance](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/disability-insurance) # Avoid This Costly Mistake When Protecting Your Income 21 May 2022 [![May 2022 week 2 takeaway](https://www.tmait.org/hs-fs/hubfs/May%202022/May%202022%20week%202%20takeaway.png?width=235&name=May%202022%20week%202%20takeaway.png)](https://info.tmait.org/talk-with-an-advisor-about-long-term-disability)It’s common sense that if you have a leak in your roof, the time to fix it *is before* a rain storm – not *after a deluge.* The same can be said with respect to disability insurance. If you find you have a gap in your income protection coverage the time to address it is now, *before you actually need your disability benefit.* Unfortunately, many physicians may not be aware of just how much of their income is – *or is not* – protected. You may be surprised to learn that the coverage you currently have would not be enough to provide for your family’s needs in the event you become ill or injured and cannot work. This is true, regardless of whether your disability coverage is provided by your employer or you secured a plan years ago on your own. ## Why Employed Physicians May Need More Coverage If you’re an employed physician *you may have some disability insurance.* But there are typically limits to coverage provided by employers – both in the amount of coverage and for how long you can collect benefits. Employer-paid plans **usually cover only 60-65% of your salary.** If you were out of work could you live on 40% less than what you’re earning today? On top of that, if your employer pays for your coverage, *your benefit will be taxed as income.* So it would be even* further reduced by federal and local taxes.* (Consult your tax professional to determine your tax liability.) [![We're here to help - CLICK HERE or call today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/400074/002e0a30-02df-4501-856d-51506fe7c0f7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/400074/002e0a30-02df-4501-856d-51506fe7c0f7)***[800-880-8181](tel:800-880-8181) 8:00 – 5:00 CST Monday – Friday*** ## Independent Physicians Are At Risk Too If you’re an independent physician you may also face serious financial risk. Why? Because many physicians who purchased their own policy years ago, often let it sit in the proverbial “desk drawer” without routinely reviewing their coverage. Over time your income has likely grown – along with your family’s living expenses. The coverage you purchased when you were younger may have been right for you then, but it may not be enough to cover your family’s needs today. Plus, if you pay the premiums as an expense of your practice, your benefit may be taxed as income and therefore reduced even further. (Consult your tax professional to determine your tax liability.) ## Speak With An Advisor For Unbiased Options So to avoid a costly mistake down the road, it’s important to **review your disability coverage today.** If there’s a gap in your coverage our advisors can help. Their goal is to help you protect as much of your income as possible. And their recommendations are offered at no cost and without bias, because unlike other agents, they do not receive sales-based commissions. You will never feel any sales pressure or sense of obligation during a cost-free consultation. ## Save Up To 30% From Top Carriers If you need additional coverage – or a new disability plan – our advisors can provide you with a number of options. These include **true own occupation individual policies** from leading nationally known carriers. For example, we offer a top-rated plan from **Guardian** that comes with **discounts of up to 30% for physicians** (depending on specialty) and *rates that can be locked in until retirement.* Below are some highlights of the plan: - Permanent discounts of up to 30% (depending on specialty) for the life of the policy - Up to $30,000/month benefit - True Own Occupation definition of disability with enhanced medical specialty language - 150% first-year benefit for a serious illness – at no additional cost - Enhanced Partial Disability Rider with Recovery Benefits payable for the full benefit period - Non-cancellable (premiums cannot change) - Guaranteed Renewable (once coverage is placed, Guardian may not modify benefits) - Future Increase Option—up to $30,000/month in total disability benefit - Cost of Living Adjustment Rider options - Retirement Protection Rider—up to $67,440/year in retirement contribution protection — this can also be purchased as a separate stand-alone product ## Practice Owners Can Save Up To 40% With Guardian All practice owners can opt for deeply discounted unisex rates of 25% **(women can save up to 40%)** when three or more participants (including male employees) in their office secure coverage together. This can provide your employees with a valuable benefit that previously may not have been considered affordable. Please speak with one of our advisors for details. ## More Options Include High Income Plan We offer additional options that include a **high-benefit own occupation plan** for physicians with higher earnings as well as an **affordable Association plan from a top carrier** that comes with a short, simple application process. Speak with one of our advisors about these options. ## Protect Your Investment – Your Income Your career is a direct result of hard work and a substantial investment of time and money. So don’t make a costly mistake. Protect your income to the fullest extent possible. Call our advisors at [800-880-8181](tel:1-800-880-8181), Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 5:00 CST. [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/400074/ff77bcf5-6019-4bb4-a971-2a441fefe9af.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/400074/ff77bcf5-6019-4bb4-a971-2a441fefe9af) For over 60 years, TMA Insurance Trust advisors have been serving Texas physicians, their families and staff. TMA Insurance Trust prides itself on offering unbiased information and strategies to members, along with exclusive group rates on a range of the highest-rated plans in the industry. ** [ Disability Insurance ](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/disability-insurance) [, Employed Physicians ](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/employed-physicians) ** [Independent Physician](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/independent-physician) [**Previous Entries](https://www.tmait.org/blog/you-may-already-have-disability-insurance-from-your-employer-heres-why-you-may-need-more) [Next Entries**](https://www.tmait.org/blog/working-past-65-watch-out-for-these-three-costly-mistakes-medicare) ## Recommended Posts ### [Disability Insurance—Without Gender-Based Pricing Discrimination](https://www.tmait.org/blog/disability-insurance-without-gender-based-pricing-discrimination) ### [Mind the Gap: Why Your Employer’s Disability Coverage May Fall Short](https://www.tmait.org/blog/mind-the-gap-why-your-employers-disability-insurance-coverage-may-fall-short) ### [When Your Family Depends On You: Disability Insurance for Physicians](https://www.tmait.org/blog/when-your-family-depends-on-you-disability-insurance-for-physicians) ### [Don’t Let a Busy Schedule Block Your Disability Protection](https://www.tmait.org/blog/dont-let-a-busy-schedule-block-your-disability-insurance-protection) ### [What the TMA Member Disability Plan Includes That Others Don’t](https://www.tmait.org/blog/what-the-tma-member-disability-plan-includes-that-others-dont) ### [Don’t Let These Coverage Gaps Surprise You in Retirement](https://www.tmait.org/blog/dont-let-these-coverage-gaps-surprise-you-in-retirement-medicare) ### [A Physician's Path to Better Disability Coverage](https://www.tmait.org/blog/a-physicians-path-to-better-disability-insurance-coverage) ### [Insurance That Gives Back](https://www.tmait.org/blog/insurance-that-gives-back) ### [Dental Insurance and the Habits It Helps Shape](https://www.tmait.org/blog/dental-insurance-and-the-habits-it-helps-shape) ### [Unexpected Doesn't Have to Mean Unprepared This Summer](https://www.tmait.org/blog/unexpected-doesnt-have-to-mean-unprepared-this-summer) ### [When “Easy Online” Life Insurance Wasn’t So Easy](https://www.tmait.org/blog/when-easy-online-life-insurance-wasnt-so-easy) ### [One Plan for the Year—Travel Insurance That Covers Every Trip](https://www.tmait.org/blog/one-plan-for-the-year-travel-insurance-that-covers-every-trip) ### [Disability Insurance—Without Gender-Based Pricing Discrimination](https://www.tmait.org/blog/disability-insurance-without-gender-based-pricing-discrimination) ### [Mind the Gap: Why Your Employer’s Disability Coverage May Fall Short](https://www.tmait.org/blog/mind-the-gap-why-your-employers-disability-insurance-coverage-may-fall-short) ### [When Your Family Depends On You: Disability Insurance for Physicians](https://www.tmait.org/blog/when-your-family-depends-on-you-disability-insurance-for-physicians) ### [How TMA Insurance Trust Reinvests in You](https://www.tmait.org/blog/how-tma-insurance-trust-reinvests-in-you) ### [Dental Insurance and the Habits It Helps Shape](https://www.tmait.org/blog/dental-insurance-and-the-habits-it-helps-shape) ### [Unexpected Doesn't Have to Mean Unprepared This Summer](https://www.tmait.org/blog/unexpected-doesnt-have-to-mean-unprepared-this-summer) ### [When “Easy Online” Life Insurance Wasn’t So Easy](https://www.tmait.org/blog/when-easy-online-life-insurance-wasnt-so-easy) ### [One Plan for the Year—Travel Insurance That Covers Every Trip](https://www.tmait.org/blog/one-plan-for-the-year-travel-insurance-that-covers-every-trip) ### [Disability Insurance—Without Gender-Based Pricing Discrimination](https://www.tmait.org/blog/disability-insurance-without-gender-based-pricing-discrimination) ### [Mind the Gap: Why Your Employer’s Disability Coverage May Fall Short](https://www.tmait.org/blog/mind-the-gap-why-your-employers-disability-insurance-coverage-may-fall-short) ### [When Your Family Depends On You: Disability Insurance for Physicians](https://www.tmait.org/blog/when-your-family-depends-on-you-disability-insurance-for-physicians) ### [How TMA Insurance Trust Reinvests in You](https://www.tmait.org/blog/how-tma-insurance-trust-reinvests-in-you) ## Speak with a TMA Insurance Trust Advisor: ### Latest Post ![A New Alternative for Group Health Insurance](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/July%202026/July%202026%20Week%201%20-%20Group%20Health.png) ### [A New Alternative for Group Health Insurance](https://www.tmait.org/blog/a-new-alternative-for-group-health-insurance-group-benefits) Jul. 04 2026 ![Why Going It Alone on Group Health Coverage Costs Your Practice](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/June%202026/June%202026%20Week%204%20-%20Group%20Health.png) ### [Why Going It Alone on Group Health Coverage Costs Your Practice](https://www.tmait.org/blog/why-going-it-alone-on-group-health-coverage-costs-your-practice-group-benefits) Jun. 27 2026 ![Dental Insurance and the Habits It Helps Shape](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/June%202026/June%202026%20Week%203%20-%20Dental.png) ### [Dental Insurance and the Habits It Helps Shape](https://www.tmait.org/blog/dental-insurance-and-the-habits-it-helps-shape) Jun. 20 2026 ![Unexpected Doesn't Have to Mean Unprepared This Summer](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/June%202026/June%202026%20Week%202%20-%20Accident.png) ### [Unexpected Doesn't Have to Mean Unprepared This Summer](https://www.tmait.org/blog/unexpected-doesnt-have-to-mean-unprepared-this-summer) Jun. 13 2026 ### POPULAR TOPICS - [Practice Owners (218)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/practice-owners) - [Women Physicians (182)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/women-physicians) - [Independent Physician (175)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/independent-physician) - [Young Physicians (163)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/young-physicians) - [Insurance for Women (162)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/insurance-for-women) - [Employed Physicians (155)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/employed-physicians) - [Locum Tenens (136)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/locum-tenens) - [Residents (134)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/residents) - [Disability Insurance (128)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/disability-insurance) - [Health Insurance (127)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Practice Managers (94)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/practice-managers) - [Life Insurance (86)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/life-insurance) - [Independent Contractor (84)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/independent-contractor) - [Open Enrollment (73)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/open-enrollment) - [Group Benefits (65)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/group-benefits) - [Group Coverage (61)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/group-coverage) - [Retired Physicians (59)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/retired-physicians) - [Individual Coverage (58)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/individual-coverage) - [Nearing Retirement (57)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/nearing-retirement) - [Family (52)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/family) - [Medicare (43)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medicare) - [Medical Practice (39)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medical-practice) - [Business Overhead Expense Insurance (35)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/business-overhead-expense-insurance) - [Practice Management (35)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/practice-management) - [Critical Illness Insurance (33)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/critical-illness-insurance) - [Medicare Part D (31)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medicare-part-d) - [Dental Insurance (30)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/dental-insurance) - [Medicare Supplement (29)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medicare-supplement) - [Life Events (28)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/life-events) - [Insurance For Good (26)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/insurance-for-good) - [Business of Medicine (25)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/business-of-medicine) - [Auto Insurance (21)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/auto-insurance) - [Accident Insurance (20)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/accident-insurance) - [Homeowners Insurance (19)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/homeowners-insurance) - [Retirement (15)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/retirement) - [Short Term Disability (15)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/short-term-disability) - [Young Physicans (15)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/young-physicans) - [Medical Insurance (12)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medical-insurance) - [Featured (11)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/featured) - [Medigap (11)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medigap) - [Accidental Death and Dismemberment (10)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/accidental-death-and-dismemberment) - [HSA (10)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/hsa) - [Personal Umbrella Insurance (10)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/personal-umbrella-insurance) - [Insurance Review (9)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/insurance-review) - [Renters Insurance (9)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/renters-insurance) - [Term Life Insurance (9)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/term-life-insurance) - [Auto & Home Insurance (8)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/auto-home-insurance) - [Supplemental Hospital Indemnity Insurance (6)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/supplemental-hospital-indemnity-insurance) - [Travel Insurance (6)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/travel-insurance) - [Comparing Insurance Providers (3)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/comparing-insurance-providers) - [Pet Insurance (3)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/pet-insurance) - [Short-Term Medical Insurance (3)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/short-term-medical-insurance) - [Medevac Insurance (2)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medevac-insurance) - [Office Overhead Expense Insurance (2)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/office-overhead-expense-insurance) - [Vision Insurance (2)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/vision-insurance) - [COVID-19 FAQs (1)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/covid-19-faqs) - [Financial Advice (1)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/financial-advice) - [Key Person Insurance (1)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/key-person-insurance) - [Prescription Drug Coverage (1)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/prescription-drug-coverage) [See all](https://www.tmait.org/blog/avoid-this-costly-mistake-when-protecting-your-income-disability-insurance#) ### Newsletter signup to receive our monthly newsletter [* * Contact Us](https://www.tmait.org/blog/avoid-this-costly-mistake-when-protecting-your-income-disability-insurance#bott-scroll) ![border](https://www.tmait.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/border.png?width=1200&height=44&name=border.png "border") ### Quick Links - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Home](https://www.tmait.org/) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Testimonials](https://www.tmait.org/testimonials) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [About](https://www.tmait.org/about) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Privacy Policy](https://www.tmait.org/privacy-policy) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Contact](https://www.tmait.org/contact) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Resources](https://www.tmait.org/resources) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Our Blog](https://www.tmait.org/blog) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Self-Service Portal](https://tmait.aebsys.com/#/) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Insurance For Good](https://www.tmait.org/blog/insurance-for-good) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Anticipate Joy](https://www.tmait.org/anticipate-joy) ### Connect With Us - [* *](https://www.facebook.com/TMAInsuranceTrust) - [* *](https://twitter.com/TMAIT) - [* *](https://www.youtube.com/user/TMAInsuranceTrust) We were created and are exclusively endorsed by the [Texas Medical Association](https://www.texmed.org/) © 2026 TEXAS MEDICAL ASSOCIATION INSURANCE TRUST © 2026 TEXAS MEDICAL ASSOCIATION INSURANCE TRUST ![](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/956622860/?value=0&guid=ON&script=0) ![](https://analytics.twitter.com/i/adsct?txn_id=l5yi3&p_id=Twitter&tw_sale_amount=0&tw_order_quantity=0) ![](https://t.co/i/adsct?txn_id=l5yi3&p_id=Twitter&tw_sale_amount=0&tw_order_quantity=0) ![](https://analytics.twitter.com/i/adsct?txn_id=nukif&p_id=Twitter&tw_sale_amount=0&tw_order_quantity=0) ![](https://t.co/i/adsct?txn_id=nukif&p_id=Twitter&tw_sale_amount=0&tw_order_quantity=0)