Disability insurance can be hard to decode. And when the benefits physicians value most—like specialty-specific protection or the ability to increase coverage over time—are treated as costly extras, it’s easy to lose sight of whether your policy truly reflects the value of your income. The result? Coverage that’s more confusing and potentially more expensive than it should be.
The TMA Member Long Term Disability Insurance plan, issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, offers protection that matches how you work and what your income supports. With key benefits already included, unlike most individual policies, there’s no need to piece together your coverage one rider at a time.
What to Look for in a Disability Plan
This checklist outlines the features physicians should expect in a comprehensive disability policy. It’s here to help you take a closer look at what may be missing in a typical individual plan—and what’s already included in the TMA Member Long Term Disability Insurance plan.
☐ No Income Verification Required
Apply for up to $5,000 per month in benefits, no financial paperwork needed.
☐ Higher Benefit Levels Available
Need more coverage? Apply for up to $18,000 per month with underwriting.
☐ Coverage That Can Grow With You
The Future Increase Option lets you apply for more coverage later, without additional underwriting.
☐ Specialty-Specific Coverage
Own-Occupation Coverage pays benefits if you can’t perform the duties of your medical specialty.
☐ Support During Recovery
Partial or Residual Disability Benefits provide income if you return to work part-time while recovering.
☐ No Offsets From Other Insurance
Your benefit is paid in full, even if you receive benefits from other sources.
☐ Extra Help for Serious Conditions
Catastrophic Coverage increases your benefit by 20% if you’re unable to perform two or more Activities of Daily Living, such as bathing or dressing.
☐ Help with Student Loan Payments
You may receive an additional 25% benefit (up to $250,000) to help with student loan payments, so your primary benefits can go toward everyday expenses.
☐ Optional Inflation Protection
With the Optional Cost of Living Adjustment Rider, you can increase your benefit over time to help keep up with inflation, so the value of your monthly benefit isn’t gradually reduced.
☐ Premium Savings That Add Up
TMA members receive a 25% savings credit, helping reduce premiums over the life of the policy.
So—how many boxes did you check? If only a few, it may be time to revisit what your current disability plan really offers. Or, if you’re in the process of securing coverage for the first time, the list above can help you understand what a policy should include.
Take a Closer Look at Your Income Protection
Now that you know what to look for regarding disability insurance, let’s talk about how to figure out what makes sense for you.
To help you get started, we’ve created a simple tool that estimates how much of your income could be left unprotected if you couldn’t work due to illness or injury. The Unprotected Income Calculator gives you a quick, personalized snapshot of where gaps might exist and how much monthly benefit you may need.
Have questions or want to talk through your disability coverage options? Call to speak with a TMA Insurance Trust advisor at 800-880-8181. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST, ready to answer your questions and make sure you get the most from your TMA member benefits.
For over 70 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 quality insurance plans.
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