The newest AAFP Insurance podcast, “Coverage and Care: What Family Physicians Should Know About Disability Insurance,” is now live. Recorded at the 2026 FMX conference, AAFP Insurance President, Jered Hunt and Disability Insurance Manager, Eric Mulbach, share an engaging discussion on why disability insurance is a critical component of a family physician’s financial plan. In this episode, they explore how the right coverage can help protect physicians’ income and provide peace of mind, offering practical insights for doctors at every stage of their careers.
Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset: Why Disability Insurance Matters for Family Physicians
Family physicians dedicate years of training and significant financial resources to build their careers. While much attention is placed on saving and investing for the future, one of the most important components of a financial strategy is protecting the ability to earn an income. Jered and Eric discuss why disability insurance should be an essential part of every physician’s financial plan and how physicians can evaluate the coverage they currently have.
Your Future Earning Potential Is Your Greatest Asset
Early in a physician’s career, the most valuable financial asset isn’t a retirement account or investment portfolio, it’s the ability to earn income over decades of medical practice. Disability insurance is designed to help protect that earning potential if a physician becomes unable to work due to illness or injury. By replacing a portion of lost income, disability coverage can help physicians continue to meet financial obligations such as student loan payments, housing costs, and everyday living expenses.
Because disability insurance requires medical underwriting, securing coverage earlier in a career can also help physicians lock in eligibility while they are still healthy.
Start by Evaluating Your Employer Coverage
Many physicians receive disability insurance through their employer or health system. While this can provide a helpful starting point, employer-sponsored plans often come with limitations.
Some of the common considerations physicians should review include:
- Monthly benefit caps that may limit how much income is replaced
- Offsets that reduce benefits based on other sources of income
- Tax implications if the employer pays the premium
- Portability issues if coverage cannot follow the physician when changing jobs
- Definitions of disability, including limitations on “own-occupation” coverage
Because of these factors, many physicians choose to supplement employer coverage with an individual policy.
The Role of Individually Owned Disability Policies
Individually owned disability insurance can provide additional flexibility and control over coverage. Unlike many employer-sponsored plans, personally owned policies can often remain in place even if a physician changes employers, moves into private practice, or shifts career paths.
These policies may also allow physicians to tailor benefit amounts and policy features to better align with their income and financial goals. For physicians with specialized skills, protecting the ability to practice within their specific field can be an important part of evaluating coverage options.
Choosing the Right Coverage and Professional Guidance
Selecting disability insurance is not a one-size-fits-all process. Physicians should consider factors such as income level, career stage, existing benefits, and long-term financial goals. Working with a knowledgeable advisor who understands physician-specific coverage options can help ensure policies are structured appropriately and that physicians fully understand the benefits and limitations of their coverage.
Planning for Every Stage of Your Career
The disability insurance needs of physicians can evolve throughout their careers. Residents, early-career physicians, and experienced physicians may all face different financial responsibilities and coverage considerations.
By reviewing coverage regularly and adjusting as their careers progress, family physicians can help ensure their financial plans continue to provide the protection they need. Ultimately, disability insurance plays an important role in helping physicians safeguard the income they’ve worked so hard to earn and maintain financial stability throughout their careers. For more information listen to the podcast or schedule a consultation for a personal conversation.
