Retirement is an exciting new chapter, one filled with possibilities. As you prepare, it's important to make sure your insurance is ready to support you in the years ahead. When you step away from an employer's plan, some of the benefits you've relied on may not carry into retirement. To help you avoid costly surprises, here are some of the most common coverage gaps to consider before you retire.
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.
