Some assume that disability is a remote possibility. It isn't. It could happen to you, just as it has to countless other dentists of all ages. Some assume that most disability is the result of an accident—a fall, a crash, a sports injury, etc.—and they're safe because they're not accident-prone. The fact is, more than 90% of disability cases are caused by an illness or a disease, not by an accident. So even if you never climb ladders, you're a very safe driver, and you don't engage in any sport, you could still become disabled.
You might lose your finger dexterity, be unable to stand or bend your back without pain, or suffer some other condition that hinders or prevents you from properly caring for patients. Should that occur, would your income stop?
If so, it's unlikely you'd be eligible for workers compensation. And even if you met all the strict requirements for Social Security disability Insurance, the average monthly benefit—if you were totally disabled—is only about $1,000. Read these common mistakes to learn what you need to know to make sure your lifestyle and investments are protected.
Mistake #1: "I can put it off until later."
The Fact Is: If you don't have any disability insurance, or if you need more coverage than you now have, all too often "later" never comes. If it does eventually come, by then it may be too late for you to enjoy the current rates. The older you get, the higher your rate usually is. Besides, later on you may not be eligible, due to some health issue that develops between now and then. What you might consider trivial could trigger a denial of coverage, because eligibility requirements can be strict.
The experts at eDisability can save you a tremendous amount of time, effort and money, by helping you select the right kind and amount of disability insurance at the lowest rate, and can help shorten the application process.
Mistake #2: "I'll save money by getting a group plan."
The Fact Is: A group plan may be better than no plan at all—for a while—but it can give you a false sense of security. Especially if you don't take the time to read the fine print. Yes, the premiums may be attractively low—initially. If they're not guaranteed to stay that way, you can expect regular increases.
Even worse, most group plans for dentists cover only total disability, and pay benefits for only the first two years. After that, no benefits! If your disability is not total, and you're able to perform some kind of work —even if it's telemarketing—you may not receive any benefits at all! That's why you need the sound advice you'll get—at no extra cost—from the experts at eDisability when you ask about an individual disability policy.
Mistake #3: "All disability insurance is pretty much the same."
The Fact Is: Coverage, benefits, limits, options (riders), eligibility—even the definition of what a disability is—can vary tremendously. You can't simply compare policies by looking at the benefit amounts offered and the premium for each. It's much more complicated than that. Once you decide on a company and a specific type of coverage, the application process can take many weeks.
But now there's eDisability, with agents, advisors and a state-of-the-art system to create individual disability coverage especially for dentists like you...quickly, easily and at no extra charge. Since eDisability.com is not a captive agent of any insurance company, you'll receive unbiased advice no matter how little or how much protection you want. And you can get started in just minutes!
Mistake #4: "I can get disability insurance from my regular agent."
The Fact Is: Just as you wouldn't go to a real estate attorney for advice on a prenuptial agreement, you can't expect the typical insurance agent to also be an expert on disability coverage for dentists. It's really a specialized field, since there are so many current and potential variables to consider, and many exclusions and misconceptions to watch out for.
If your regular agent represents only one insurance company—no matter how reputable it may be—you won't get the unbiased advice and the much wider selection of coverage you'll get via eDisability.
Mistake #5: "I'll just get the cheapest disability insurance I can find."
The Fact Is: That's no way to select disability insurance, just as it's no way to select a dentist. And you'd have to ask: "Why is this insurance so cheap?"
Maybe it's because their coverage and benefits are severely limited. Or maybe because they offer only a "take-it-or-leave-it" group plan, with no optional provisions available. Or maybe it's because they'll do everything they possibly can, legal or not, to delay or deny paying legitimate claims!
At eDisability, you'll have disability insurance experts representing you, not some insurance company, as they work to find you the exact coverage you want and need—from top-rated insurers only—at the lowest possible rate. After all, what good is a cheap rate if you can't collect all the benefits you're entitled to?
Shopping for Disability Insurance?
Let us help you save time and money while helping you find the coverage you need. You don’t have to become a disability expert yourself in order to get a good plan. Our unbiased advisors can provide you with answers and support every step of the way.
Request a quote now. It is free and there is no obligation.
