Disability Insurance for Doctors: What Actually Matters (2026)

Same surgeon. Same injury. She gets $17,000 a month or nothing, depending on a few words in her disability policy.

I walk through what decides which one you get: the definition of disability, the features worth paying for, how group plans usually work, the GSI offer at your program, and when to buy.

Average physician pay: about $386,000 in 2025 (Medscape 2026 report).

Odds of disability: about 24% of today's 20-year-olds before retirement age (Social Security Actuarial Note 2026.6).

Dr. Sally is an example. The quotes are examples for a $5,000 monthly benefit, not offers from any company. Terms and prices vary by company, specialty, and state. Your policy's wording decides how a claim works.

I run Pattern, an independent brokerage that helps doctors with disability insurance. The insurance company pays us, not the doctor.

These are examples, not advice. Your numbers will be different.

Your policy's wording decides how a claim works.

If you want personalized quotes: Pattern

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