- Google disability insurance.
- Email me at trevorsmithmd@gmail.com.
- Read an article on a doctor-based blog.
I personally geeked out on insurance so much in residency that I became an insurance agent. I am an independent broker, so I have no bias toward any particular policies (email me anytime even if just with questions). Personally, I believe in this product and the value of this type of insurance, and I would hate for anyone to not have coverage of their most valuable asset: lifelong income!
The steps of applying for disability insurance
Now you know all the great reasons to get going! What are the next steps?
No matter where you get your policy, you can expect the process to be fairly simple. If it’s not then shoot me an email and I’m happy to help chat and discuss further.
The general process is:
Step 1. Initial phone call or email: Chat with an agent to discuss your needs and situation. Immediately after, you can sign initial application documents with DocuSign. (20 minutes).
Step 2. Complete health questionnaire on the phone with the insurance company. (20-40 minutes).
Step 3 . Sign the final documents and confirm physician-specific language in their policies. (20 minutes).
The whole application period typically lasts only 2-4 weeks from start to finish and, if you pay up front, you are covered from the moment you send in the check. If you don’t accept the policy, you even get the money back.
I genuinely enjoy talking with my colleagues from all over the world and learning about their lives and plans, so, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at trevorsmithmd@gmail.com. Also, feel free to check out my mini-blog at curiousmd.com or listen to me chat with Jon Solitro, CFP, on his FinancialMD.com podcast. Similar to this article, it is fairly informal and covers real life, tough career decisions, and actionable financial planning tips.
If you made it to the end of this article, you are a perfectionist and should go back and read Tip No. 1.
Reference
The Context of Things . “We live in a machine that is designed to get us to neglect what’s important about life,” 2021 Aug 24.
Dr. Smith is an ophthalmologist and consultant with Advanced Eyecare Professionals, Grand Rapids, Mich., and founder of DigitalGlaucoma.com . He is cohost of The FinancialMD Show podcast. He is an insurance producer and assists clients with advising and decision-making related to disability insurance at FinancialMD.
