“If you get hurt or become too sick to work, what happens to your income?” It’s one of the first questions that Scott Dial, a disability-income expert who works with TMA Insurance Trust, asks medical residents and new physicians. For some people — 40 percent, to be exact — that answer is usually “I don’t know” followed by “I think my employer has something,” or “my spouse will have to work.” The average healthy person is rarely counseled on handling a disability.

Life insurance – you hear about it often, yet it still seems like a confusing topic. With so many products, solutions and varying opinions, it can be difficult to decide which type of life insurance will best suit your needs and protect your family if the unexpected happens. As a Texas physician, the two main types of life insurance you should familiarize yourself with are Term Life insurance and Permanent Life insurance. Below you will find must-know information regarding both types, in addition to each policy’s pros and cons. Keep this information handy when it comes times to purchase your policy.

As a medical resident, you are aware that certain disabilities can have life altering consequences, especially if safeguards were not put into place before the disability occurred. It is no secret that residency is often a trying time, including lack of money, long hours, little sleep and an accumulation of student loans. Contemplating your financial future can feel overwhelming when you are just trying to get through the long list of daily responsibilities as a medical resident. Even if purchasing disability insurance is not currently at the top of your priority list, take a quick look at a few reasons why it is a good idea to protect yourself early on.

On the mind of every Texas physician is the well-being of his or her family, especially regarding their health, health care and having the best coverage in place should it be needed. If you and your family are in need of health insurance but missed the open enrollment period window, which closed on January 1, 2016, know that not all hope is lost. You still have the opportunity to select a health insurance plan if you qualify under a series of life events. If one of these life events has occurred, you could enter a health insurance plan under a special enrollment period.

The status of physician brings along unique needs when it comes to the topic of personal insurance. Comparing insurance providers can help better protect you, your family and your practice, in addition to helping you choose the exact insurance necessary for your current life phase. For example, a single resident will have different insurance requirements than an established, married physician who has recently purchased a second home. In addition to unique needs, physicians also have limited time to deal with insurance matters. This is where the importance of finding a reputable insurance provider comes in.