Life doesn’t always go according to schedule. An illness, injury—or even a healthy pregnancy—can suddenly pause your ability to practice. And when that happens, your income could take a hit unless you’ve planned ahead.

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.

Dr. Carter had a routine.* Morning coffee. Clinic by eight. She had a full schedule of patients who counted on her steady hands and sharp mind. After years of training and sacrifice, life finally felt comfortable. Her income covered the mortgage, her kids’ activities, and the growing retirement fund she’d worked hard to build.

As a physician you dedicate your time to providing your patients with the best possible care. With your busy schedule, it’s easy to overlook the importance of reassessing your life insurance policy to ensure you have the right protection in place. However, life insurance is one of the most important financial tools to help provide increased security for your loved ones in the event something were to unexpectedly happen to you.

A physician’s career is built on knowledge, experience, and careful decision-making. But as you approach age 65, a different kind of decision is ahead—one that isn’t about patient care but about protecting your own health and finances.

If you plan to continue practicing beyond age 65, you’re not alone. Many physicians continue working because they love what they do, value the relationships they’ve built, or want to maintain a strong income. Others may be preparing for retirement, but whatever your plans, Medicare decisions and enrollment shouldn’t be delayed. Waiting too long or making the wrong choice could lead to costly penalties that last the rest of your life.