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.
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.
Your skills and expertise are more than just part of your profession—they’re your greatest assets. They’ve shaped your career, supported your goals, and helped you build a strong financial foundation. But your ability to earn an income isn’t guaranteed. An illness or injury could unexpectedly take you away from your practice, creating uncertainty at a time when security matters most.
If an unexpected illness or injury disrupted your ability to work, would your finances be able to support you? Residents and young physicians are especially at risk because they are most likely facing financial obligations such as education loans, mortgage or rent payments, and auto payments, among other expenses.
How would you handle a diagnosis that changes everything? Critical illnesses often progress silently, catching you off guard and leaving little time to prepare. In those moments, wouldn’t knowing you have guaranteed financial support be reassuring? Life doesn’t offer guarantees, but the TMA Member Critical Illness Insurance plan does.
In your career, experience is everything, and years of practice and dedication have allowed you to make informed decisions for the care of your patients. However, when it comes to navigating Medicare decisions alone, the barrage of new information can be complex and confusing, leading to potential gaps in coverage—and costly mistakes.
