What is GSI?
The Guardian Life Insurance Company and Ameritas offer residents and fellows Guaranteed Issue Disability Insurance (GSI) with discounts of up to 30% and no medical questions asked. GSI policies guarantee coverage to residents and fellows who meet eligibility criteria, including physicians with pre-existing health conditions that could make it more difficult to obtain traditional disability insurance. This is available anytime during and up to 90 days after you've completed your training.
Why apply for GSI first?
Submitting an application for disability coverage with another carrier, even a trial application, can affect your eligibility for guaranteed options. Applying with another company first and receiving an extra rating, exclusion offer, or decline will make a physician ineligible for GSI offers. This is especially important for those with pre-existing conditions who may have trouble getting approved elsewhere.
What does it mean to be disabled?
With GSI coverage, physicians are provided with the strongest level of protection and True Own-Occupation definition of disability. This defines a physician as disabled if they can no longer perform the duties of their specialty, with the flexibility to receive benefits even if they can work in another capacity. A formula has been established to determine benefits based on earnings and key duties of your specific occupation.