That depends on what the condition is and how serious it is. It is always best to let us know about the condition upfront so we can advise you accordingly.  However if a condition is disliked by the company they typically respond in the following ways:

• Charge a higher premium
• Exclude the condition from your contract
• Both of the above, or
• Decline to provide any coverage

If any of the above does occur then your specialist will discuss the situation to see if there are other options or if this would be a typical response from all companies.

The process can take from three weeks to two months.   The underwriters spend much of the time collecting additional information (medical records, tax returns, etc.) that they need in order to make a decision.

• After reviewing and discussing the information provided  we will assist you in choosing the policy which best fits your situation.
• We will then complete the application with you making the process as easy as possible.
• We will then order your medical exam (there is no cost to you).  They will come to a location that is not only convenient with your schedule but at a location of your choosing.
• You will then be contacted by a representative of the insurance company to confirm your answers given on the application and exam.
• Upon approval of your application we will either mail your policy to you or schedule a convenient time to personally deliver it.  Either way it will be reviewed and discussed in its entirety.

Part of our due diligence is to provide this vital information to you.  It can also be found under our company ratings page.

There are five major rating services: A.M Best (specifically for insurance), Fitch, Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Weiss. Each service has its own criteria for judging insurance companies.

We will guide you through this very difficult process.  Simply put though, the key elements are strong contractual provisions, company financial ratings and their ability to pay your benefits when you need it the most.

Group Policies

• Group policies do not offer True Own Occupation Protection.  If disabled and get a new job the new income will lower or eliminate your benefit from the group policy.
• Group policies limit mental, nervous, stress, etc. disorder claims to a 2 year payout.
• Group policies are not portable so you cannot take them with you when you change jobs.
• Definitions or group contracts are not as liberal as professionally designed Individual Disability Income Protection.
• Benefits of group policies are taxable when your employer pays the premiums
• Benefits of Group policies are offset by any Social Security and workman compensation benefit you receive.
• Benefits are based on a percentage of salaried income. (Bonus’ and Commissions are typically not covered)
• No rate guarantees
• Partial disability might not be covered
• Policy can be changed or canceled by the insurance company or your employer at any time

Individual Disability Insurance

• Professionally Designed Plans will properly protect you in your Medical Specialty /true own occupation protection
• You own the policy and can take with you wherever you work
• More liberal definitions within the policy =  more money at claim time
• you receive benefits tax free when you pay the premiums
• Higher monthly benefits
• Benefits can increase with inflation
• Rate guarantees to age 65

Group protection is no substitute for Professionally Designed Individual Protection. If you have a group policy, you need to consider purchasing an individual disability policy.

All companies have different riders; here is a list of the most common options we recommend:

• Own Occupation Specialty Protection
• Residual disability provision
• Inflation Protection
• Future Increase Option/Future Insurability Option

•  As a resident coverage varies from $1000- $6000 per month
• As an established physician, the amount of income protection is determined by your most recent tax return or current year to date paystub.