Physicians invest years in rigorous education and training, committing themselves to the welfare of their patients. However, amidst their relentless pursuit of healing, one aspect often gets overshadowed: their own well-being. This is where short-term disability insurance emerges as a crucial financial safeguard. By investing in short-term disability insurance, physicians can empower themselves with a safety net that can help provide vital income protection during unexpected health challenges or when planning for the future.

Financial Security When You Need it Most

Unforeseen circumstances like accidents, injuries, or sudden illnesses can disrupt even the most well-laid plans. Paying education loans, mortgage or rent payments, vehicle payments, and daily living expenses can all take a heavy financial toll. If you’re a young physician or resident, you likely haven’t been practicing long enough to build up a savings fund that would help you weather an illness or injury that keeps you from earning an income.

When faced with a medical condition that requires recuperation, it's imperative for doctors to prioritize their health. The TMA Member Short Term Disability Insurance Plan, issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, can help provide financial security when you are unable to work due to a covered disability and allow you to truly rest and recover.

The details:

• TMA members under age 55 are guaranteed acceptance for coverage of up to $1,500/week.
• TMA members under age 65 are eligible for up to $2,500/week in benefits.
• Affordable premium rates - No rate disparity between male and female members.
• Quick benefits - If you have an existing disability policy, you may have to wait up to 180 days before you begin receiving benefits. By supplementing your current plan with the TMA Member Short Term Disability Plan, you can start receiving benefits immediately or within seven days (depending on the elimination period you choose when you enroll), and help ensure you receive ongoing cash benefits quickly.
• Benefits are paid directly to you, and you receive them for up to 13 weeks.
• Pregnancy is covered. The TMA Member Short Term Disability Insurance Plan covers pregnancy, before and after birth, even without complications. (Limited to 2 weeks prepartum and 6 weeks postpartum, 8 weeks for C-section.) You must be enrolled in the coverage for at least 12 months before becoming pregnant to take advantage of this benefit.
• Coverage is portable. Unlike an employer plan, this coverage can follow you throughout your career as long as you are a member of TMA.
• Two versions of the plan are available, distinguished by the elimination periods:
  • Option 1: Coverage begins on day one for an accident and after 7 days for an illness.
  • Option 2: Coverage begins after 7 days for either an accident or an illness.

Exclusive Yet Accessible

Short term disability coverage is typically only offered as an elective benefit of employment. However, many of our members work as independent contractors or in private practice and may not have access to sick leave benefits. We've made our exclusive member group plan accessible on an individual basis outside of an employment setting in order to remove this potential obstacle to obtaining coverage.

Short-term disability insurance reduces your financial risk and allows you to take the necessary time off for recovery, enabling you to return to your patients with renewed energy and focus. Whether you are at the beginning of your career or an established physician, your hard-earned income deserves protection. Call us at 800-880-8181, weekdays from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. CST. Let’s get you covered.

For over 65 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.