"We see it often: physicians work so hard to build their lives that they sometimes forget to protect the very thing that makes it all possible, their ability to earn an income." — Nealy Diden, Director of Operations, TMA Insurance Trust

At TMA Insurance Trust, we speak with physicians every day about their financial situations, plans, and what they need to protect. We’ve gathered the most common questions and insights from our daily conversations with members to create this representation of a typical physician’s journey. Our goal is to share these collective experiences as a helpful first step as you consider how to protect what you’ve worked so hard for and what matters most.

What happens when an unexpected illness or injury moves you from caring for patients to becoming one, and time away from your practice becomes part of your reality?

No matter where you are on your career path, your ability to earn an income is your single most valuable asset. In an instant, your rainy-day savings could disappear, putting you and your family in a difficult financial spot. As a practicing physician with growing responsibilities, you may be paying a mortgage, raising a family, and balancing a more complex financial life.

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.

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.