Disability Insurance for the Plastic Surgeon: A Primer.

Background: Plastic surgeons earn a substantial income over the course of their careers. If an unforeseen injury or illness results in partial or total disability, disability insurance can provide compensation to help offset income loss. Methods: We present our recommendations for obtaining personal disability insurance. Thus, the objective of this article was to educate plastic surgeons on the importance of long-term disability insurance. Results: We recommend purchasing a personalized disability insurance policy as early as possible and consulting with a certified independent insurance agent for tailored advice. A good long-term insurance policy should include a true own-occupation/specialty-specific definition of disability, partial disability benefit, future insurability purchase options, a noncancelable/guaranteed renewable option, and cost of living adjustments. Conclusions: The journey to becoming a plastic surgeon is long and arduous. Without long-term disability insurance, an injury resulting in disability could have devastating financial consequences. Understanding the options and selecting the right policy early can help protect against income loss and ensure financial security during unforeseen health challenges. This discussion serves as a starting point for plastic surgeons to understand a key aspect of their risk management strategy and is not meant to be exhaustive.