Medical students are protected by a group Long Term Disability policy designed to provide income and loan repayment protection for claims during school. The plan guarantees the right to maintain coverage after graduation without any medical underwriting.
Coverage During School
Medical students are automatically protected by a long-term disability policy during the school years without having to complete an application or answer any medical questions. This coverage includes a special provision that guarantees a graduate’s ability to retain protection as they continue training and during future practice years.
Benefit Summary
Monthly Benefit: Year 1 and 2: $1,500/month. Year 3 and 4: $2,000/month.
Definition of Total Disability: During the first 5 years of a disability, disability means the inability to attend medical school and maintain active status. The student must not be working. After 5 years of a disability, disability means the inability to attend medical school and maintain active status. Student must also be unable to perform the duties of any "reasonable" occupation for which the insured is suited based on education, training, experience, and student must not be working.
Survivor Benefit: If a student dies during a total disability lasting at least 6 consecutive months and is survived by an eligible survivor, the plan will pay a benefit to the eligible survivor equal to 3 times the amount of the monthly benefit.
Loan Payoff Provision: If you are unable to perform two or more activities of daily living (functional disability) for 12 months, you may be entitled to the repayment of all eligible debt up to $200,000 that you are legally liable to pay for college and/or medical school related education.
Restrictions and Limitations: If you are totally or partially disabled due to a mental, nervous or emotional disorder, alcoholism or drug dependency, but are not hospitalized, a maximum of 60 monthly payments will be paid for the duration of your disability. If hospitalized, benefits will be paid similar to other disabilities.
This information is a summary of coverage for informational purposes – actual policy language will govern. For specific contract language please refer to your Guardian benefit booklet. Additional information is available from your school or you can contact the plan administrator, InsMed Insurance Agency, Inc via 800-214-7039 or sgelber@insmedinsurance.com.
Coverage for Graduating Students
Initial Protection – During Residency/Fellowship
Graduating students can protect a greater percentage of their income and loan obligations during training through a contract designed to fit a resident’s budgetary constraints. Coverage can be obtained up until 30 days after graduation, is offered without any regard to current or pre-existing medical conditions, and guarantees the right to increase coverage during practice years.
Benefit Summary
Monthly Benefit: $2,000/month during your residency
Loan Payoff Provision: Covers up to $200,000 of school loan obligations in the event of functional disability.
Definition of Total Disability: During the first 5 years of a claim, the resident must be unable to perform the substantial and material duties of his/her occupation as a resident. Thereafter, qualification for disability is the inability to perform the duties of any "reasonable" occupation for which the insured is suited based on education, training and experience.
Waiting Period: Benefits are provided after 90 days of disability
Benefit Period: Benefits are provided until recovery or age 65 (whichever occurs first).
Benefit Offsets: Benefits will not be offset by residency program benefits until the total aggregate benefit exceeds $5,000/month
Plan Rates: The plan rates are age banded. Quarterly rates for a student under 30 years old are $42.79 (Rates are subject to annual review and change.)
This information is a summary of coverage for informational purposes – actual policy language will govern. For specific contract language please refer to your Guardian benefit booklet. Additional information is available from your school or you can contact the plan administrator, InsMed Insurance Agency, Inc via 800-214-7039 or sgelber@insmedinsurance.com.
Coverage for Graduating Students/Residents
Final Protection – During Practice Years
Graduating medical students who retained their coverage during their training can exchange this coverage for an individual policy containing an “own specialty” definition of disability. The provisions and rates are guaranteed throughout the practice years. This coverage will become available 30 days prior the completion of training and will insure all current and pre-existing medical conditions.
Benefit Summary
Monthly Benefit: Up to $4,000/month of coverage. Ability to defer up to $3,000/month of coverage for future use.
Definition of Total Disability: Disability is defined as the inability to perform your own specialty for the entire benefit period.
Partial Disability: Includes coverage for partial loss of income due to disability.
Waiting Period: Benefits provided after 90 days of disability
Benefit Period: Benefits are provided until the age of 67 or recovery (whichever occurs first).
Plan Rates: Rates will vary based on such factors as the insured's age, specialty, smoking status, benefit amount, state of residence, and gender.
Coordination with Other Coverage: The monthly benefit will be provided in addition to any coverage from your employer or medical association.
Rate Structure: Once the policy is issued the rates remain fixed and cannot be changed by the insurance company until the insured reaches Age 67.
This information is a summary of coverage for informational purposes – actual policy language will govern. For specific contract language please refer to your Guardian benefit booklet. Additional information is available from your school or you can contact the plan administrator, InsMed Insurance Agency, Inc via 800-214-7039 or sgelber@insmedinsurance.com.
Please Complete This Form to Obtain Guaranteed Coverage
Resources and Tools
7 Things you Need to Know About Financial Wellness During your Residency