Disability insurance is one of those topics most people would rather avoid, but it’s a crucial subject to consider because it can directly affect your financial well-being. This true experience of how one physician reevaluated his coverage is an example of this. As a TMA Insurance Trust advisor, I've had countless conversations with physicians about their insurance needs. But the one I had with Dr. Demetrius Coombs resonated with me, because it is a perfect example of what we do. Dr. Coombs called because he felt he was paying too much for his existing disability insurance and wanted to get a quote for our exclusive member plan.

As a physician at the start of my career,* I’m always looking for ways to learn from those who’ve been practicing longer than I have. So when one of the senior surgeons I’ve always respected sat down across from me during a quick lunch break between procedures, I listened.

As a Texas physician, your ability to earn an income and care for your loved ones is one of your most valuable assets. An unexpected illness or injury can prevent even the most dedicated physician from practicing, and without adequate protection, this can lead to financial hardship for you and your family.

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.

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.