During these days of historic change and uncertainty, it is not uncommon to think about what we can do to help further protect the health and financial security of our family.

As a result, our advisors are fielding numerous questions about disability insurance. This is because disability insurance is a vital way to help replace income if we are unable to work due to illness or injury.

As we face the challenges of these extraordinary times, many of our members are reviewing or reevaluating their disability insurance options.

Here is some insight into one disability insurance plan that may help inform your decision about getting coverage that can serve your needs and save you money.

Life is lived in stages. You could say the same is true for the career of a physician.

In a broad sense, a physician’s career can be divided into three stages – early, middle and later. Each of these stages can bring rewards and achievements. But at the same time each comes with vulnerabilities – especially with regard to our health.

The long hours of study, the grueling night shifts, the heavy burden of student loans. As a female physician it’s obvious that you have paid your dues to get where you are today. And it goes without saying that you have worked just as hard as your male counterparts to achieve your goals.

So if you were told that your rates would be higher for long term disability insurance than those paid by male physicians – for the same level of coverage – you might be somewhat surprised and more than a little disappointed.

We value the life-saving work you do and understand that practicing medicine isn’t just a job. It’s a way of life - one that impacts you and everyone in your life. That’s why TMA Insurance Trust is continually looking for new ways to support member physicians and their families.

There’s an old episode of “The X-Files” in which insurance salesman Clyde Bruckman, played by Peter Boyle of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” sits with a young couple at their kitchen table trying to sell them an insurance policy.

What is long-term disability insurance?

When unwanted illness or injury keeps you from practicing medicine for months or years at a time, a long-term disability insurance policy is designed to provide a benefit while you are unable to work.

Permanent life insurance provides death protection for policyholders, but is it the right solution for all physicians?

Here are five reasons why physicians might want to obtain or keep a permanent life insurance policy:

No one likes to consider their own mortality.  But if you have a family or spouse who relies on your income as a Texas physician, set those feelings aside. Realizing the need for life insurance is an important first step, while qualifying for it is much more involved, as insurers evaluate each application based on a number of criteria, including age, lifestyle, profession, and health. If you're considering applying for life insurance in Texas, be aware that these health conditions listed below may affect your application, resulting in higher premiums or denial.