FAQ

True own occupation disability insurance means you can still qualify as disabled if an illness or injury keeps you from doing the material duties of your medical specialty, even if you are able to work somewhere else or earn income in another role.
That distinction matters a lot for physicians. It is also one of the main reasons people come to Billy and PPG in the first place. Billy spends a great deal of time helping physicians sort out the difference between a true specialty definition and a watered-down version that sounds similar but works very differently in a claim.
More resources
· True own occupation page: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/true-own-occupation
· Educational videos: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/videos
· Podcast hub: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/podcast
· Blog: What is the ‘Specialty Occupation’ Definition of Disability?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/what-is-the-specialty-occupation-definition-of-disability

The biggest difference is that with a private policy, you own the coverage. When it is set up properly, the definitions, portability, and overall contract strength are usually far better than what most group LTD plans provide.
Billy and the PPG team help physicians compare those differences in plain English. That matters because group LTD often looks fine on the surface. The problems usually show up in the fine print. PPG helps clients understand those details before they ever have to rely on the policy.
More resources
· Blog: Beware of Your Employer’s Group Long-Term Disability Policy: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/beware-of-your-employer-s-group-long-term-disability-policy
· Blog: Your Employer Is Not Neutral When They Promote Their Group LTD Policy: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/your-employer-is-not-neutral-when-they-promote-their-group-ltd-policy
· Educational videos: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/videos
· Podcast hub: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/podcast
· Apple Podcast episode: Beware of Your Employer’s Group Long-Term Disability Policy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beware-of-your-employers-group-long-term-disability-policy/id1501028968?i=1000717502665

In many cases, yes. If both policies are in force when the disability happens, you may be able to file under both. The more important question is whether both policies will actually pay based on the wording of each contract and the facts of the claim.
That is exactly why Billy does not just talk about whether you have coverage. He helps physicians think through how that coverage is likely to behave in the real world. PPG’s value is helping you understand the difference between a policy that exists and a policy that is likely to work when it matters.
More resources
· Blog: Beware of Your Employer’s Group Long-Term Disability Policy: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/beware-of-your-employer-s-group-long-term-disability-policy
· Blog: Your Employer Is Not Neutral When They Promote Their Group LTD Policy: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/your-employer-is-not-neutral-when-they-promote-their-group-ltd-policy
· Podcast hub: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/podcast
· Apple Podcast episode: Can I collect from both private disability and group LTD?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-i-collect-from-both-private-disability-and-group-ltd/id1501028968?i=1000732960042

It depends on the kind of disability and how each policy defines disability. In a catastrophic claim, both are more likely to pay. But many physician claims are not catastrophic, and in those situations a properly designed private specialty policy is often much more dependable than group LTD.
PPG talks about this a lot because it is one of the most common misunderstandings Billy sees. Many physicians assume the employer plan will be there for them, only to find out later that the actual definition is much narrower than they realized. PPG helps you avoid that surprise on the front end.
More resources
· Blog: Beware of Your Employer’s Group Long-Term Disability Policy: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/beware-of-your-employer-s-group-long-term-disability-policy
· Blog: Your Employer Is Not Neutral When They Promote Their Group LTD Policy: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/your-employer-is-not-neutral-when-they-promote-their-group-ltd-policy
· True own occupation page: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/true-own-occupation
· Apple Podcast episode: Beware of Your Employer’s Group Long-Term Disability Policy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beware-of-your-employers-group-long-term-disability-policy/id1501028968?i=1000717502665

Most people picture a catastrophic accident, but long term disability claims are often caused by illness rather than trauma. Musculoskeletal conditions, cancer, mental health issues, and other illnesses can all keep a physician from practicing his or her specialty.
Billy uses this point to help physicians think more realistically about risk. At PPG, the goal is not to buy a policy that only sounds good in an extreme scenario. The goal is to build protection around the kinds of claims physicians actually face in real life.
More resources
· Podcast hub: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/podcast
· Educational videos: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/videos
· YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@billygwaltney3135
· Apple Podcast episode: What are the most common types of disabilities: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-are-the-most-common-types-of-disabilities/id1501028968?i=1000506716341

Residual or partial disability coverage helps when you are not totally disabled but still lose income because you cannot fully do your job. That matters a great deal for physicians because many claims are not all or nothing.
Billy pays close attention to this feature because plenty of physicians can still do some work, just not enough of their specialty work to maintain their prior income. PPG helps clients understand that middle ground and why a strong residual benefit can make a very big difference.
More resources
· Blog: What is a residual benefit and do I need it?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/what-is-a-residual-benefit-and-do-i-need-it–43
· Educational videos: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/videos
· Blog: Three Pillars of a Top Disability Policy: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/three-pillars-of-a-top-disability-policy

A recovery benefit helps when you are no longer medically disabled, but your income still has not returned to where it was before the disability. That can happen after a long claim, a slower return to procedures, a drop in referrals, or a lower patient load.
This is one of those details Billy brings up because he wants physicians thinking beyond the first day of claim. PPG looks at the full arc of what a disability can do to a career, including the time it takes to rebuild on the other side.
More resources
· Blog: What Is the Recovery Benefit and Do I Really Need It?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/what-is-the-recovery-benefit-and-do-i-really-need-it
· Educational videos: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/videos
· Blog: Three Pillars of a Top Disability Policy: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/three-pillars-of-a-top-disability-policy

Yes. In addition to the big three, physicians should pay close attention to the elimination period, benefit period, noncancelable and guaranteed renewable language, COLA, the benefit increase rider or future increase option, psychiatric coverage, catastrophic benefits, and student loan features when they apply.
This is another place where PPG earns its keep. Billy helps simplify the moving parts so clients can focus on what actually matters for their situation rather than getting buried in insurance jargon or distracted by the wrong details.
More resources
· Educational videos: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/videos
· Blog: What is COLA and how does it work?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/what-is-cola-and-how-does-it-work
· Blog: Should I Choose the Benefit Increase Rider (BIR) or Future Increase Option (FIO)?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/should-i-choose-the-benefit-increase-rider-bir-or-future-increase-option-fio–150
· Blog: What is the Future Insurability Option?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/what-is-the-future-insurability-option

A future increase option or benefit increase rider lets you grow your coverage later as your income rises, usually without going back through full medical underwriting. That is especially valuable for residents, fellows, and early attendings who expect their income to increase significantly.
Billy often recommends physicians think hard about this rider because it is one of the best ways to protect your future self. PPG helps clients lock in flexibility while they are still healthy and eligible, rather than hoping they will still qualify for new coverage years later.
More resources
· Blog: What is the Future Insurability Option?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/what-is-the-future-insurability-option
· Blog: Should I Choose the Benefit Increase Rider (BIR) or Future Increase Option (FIO)?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/should-i-choose-the-benefit-increase-rider-bir-or-future-increase-option-fio–150
· Educational videos: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/videos
· Blog: Quote Spreadsheet Overview with Benefit Increase Rider (BIR): https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/quote-spreadsheet-overview-with-benefit-increase-rider-bir–175

Your base policy will usually stay in force, but you may lose the easiest way to increase coverage later without new medical underwriting. That can become a real problem if your income rises or your health changes after the rider is gone.
This is one of those long game issues Billy tries to stay ahead of for clients. PPG is built around ongoing guidance, not just a one-time sale, so physicians do not accidentally give up valuable options without understanding what that means for the future.
More resources
· Blog: What Happens to my Disability if the Benefit Increase Rider is Removed?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/what-happens-to-my-disability-if-the-benefit-increase-rider-is-removed
· Blog: Principal’s Benefit Update Rider: How it works: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/principals-benefit-update-rider-how-it-works
· PPG concierge experience: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/the-ppg-concierge-experience

That depends on your guaranteed income, compensation structure, existing group LTD coverage, and the way each carrier calculates your maximum monthly benefit. Group LTD can reduce how much private coverage you are eligible to buy, which is why the whole picture needs to be looked at together.
Billy helps physicians navigate those calculations all the time. At PPG, the goal is not just to get any policy in place. It is to help you secure the strongest appropriate coverage your situation allows and then revisit it as your income grows.
More resources
· Blog: How the Top Carriers Calculate the Maximum Coverage Available: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/how-the-top-carriers-calculate-the-maximum-coverage-available
· Educational videos: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/videos
· Contact and quote page: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/contact-us

Trainee discounts are often the most valuable because they can be substantial and usually stay with you for life on the policy amounts that qualify. Some attendings can also access discounts through employer affiliations, training programs, or approved institutional relationships.
This is an area where working with Billy can really pay off. PPG is known for helping physicians find strong coverage with the best available discounts, and not every broker has the same access or knows how to structure the policy to preserve those long-term advantages.
More resources
· PPG home: https://ownoccdisability.com/
· PPG concierge experience: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/the-ppg-concierge-experience
· Contact and quote page: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/contact-us
· Apple Podcast episode: Discounts and how do they work?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-by-popular-demand-discounts-how-do-they-work-who/id1501028968?i=1000642613560

The best time to buy is before you become disabled and while you are still insurable. For many physicians, training is an especially smart time because the discounts can be better, underwriting is often easier, and future increase options can let you scale coverage later without new medical underwriting.
Billy has seen plenty of physicians wait too long and end up with higher costs, fewer choices, or health issues that make the process harder. PPG helps busy physicians get this handled efficiently while the window is still open.
More resources
· Educational videos: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/videos
· Blog: What is the Future Insurability Option?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/what-is-the-future-insurability-option
· Contact and quote page: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/contact-us
· Apple Podcast episode: Top 5 – Why should I get disability coverage in residency?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-5-why-should-i-get-disability-coverage-in-residency/id1501028968?i=1000564771608

Sometimes, yes. A health history issue does not automatically mean you are out of options. Depending on the facts, there may still be carriers willing to offer coverage, modified terms, or guaranteed issue options in certain employer or training settings.
This is where Billy’s experience can be especially valuable. PPG helps physicians navigate underwriting thoughtfully and strategically. A lot of people assume the answer is no before anyone has taken a careful look. Often the first step is simply having the right person review the situation.
More resources
· PPG mission: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/mission
· Contact and quote page: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/contact-us
· Educational videos: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/videos
· Blog: Why Do I Need to Sign HIPAA and HIV Forms?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/why-do-i-need-to-sign-hipaa-and-hiv-forms–135

Usually, benefits are tax free if the premiums are paid with after-tax dollars. If the premiums are deducted as a business expense, or if an employer pays for the coverage and does not gross up the premium as taxable income to you, then the benefits are generally taxable.
Billy likes to frame this around spendable income, not just headline numbers. PPG helps physicians think through what the check would really look like during a claim, because that is what matters when you are trying to protect your household and lifestyle.
More resources
· Blog: Are disability insurance benefits taxable income to me?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/are-disability-insurance-benefits-taxable-income-to-me
· Educational videos: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/videos
· Contact and quote page: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/contact-us

This depends on the carrier and the policy. Some strong policies will pay benefits if you become disabled while overseas, but may limit how long benefits continue if you remain outside the United States. Some policies also include foreign travel or residency-related exclusions.

This is the kind of detail Billy likes to sort out before it becomes a problem. PPG helps physicians review international issues in advance, which is especially important for doctors with global ties or plans to live or work abroad.

More resources

•       Blog: What happens to my coverage if I decide to work outside of the country?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/what-happens-to-my-coverage-if-i-decide-to-work-outside-of-the-country
•       Blog: What is a Foreign Travel Exclusion?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/what-is-a-foreign-travel-exclusion

·        Educational videos: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/videos

You should review your coverage whenever your income changes meaningfully, when you change employers, when you finish training, or when you hit a major life or career milestone. Physicians often outgrow their original policy design or miss key increase opportunities at the wrong time.

This is another reason many physicians stay with Billy and PPG long after the original policy is placed. The relationship does not end when the paperwork is signed. Ongoing review is part of making sure the coverage still matches your career.

More resources

•       Blog: What Happens to my Disability if the Benefit Increase Rider is Removed?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/what-happens-to-my-disability-if-the-benefit-increase-rider-is-removed
•       Blog: How the Top Carriers Calculate the Maximum Coverage Available: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/how-the-top-carriers-calculate-the-maximum-coverage-available

·        PPG concierge experience: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/the-ppg-concierge-experience

No. In general, the cost of the policy is the same whether you work through a broker or go directly to the insurance company because rates are filed with state insurance departments. The real difference is whether you have someone helping you choose and structure the right policy.

That is where Billy and PPG come in. The value is not in adding cost. It is in adding clarity, expertise, and long-term support while helping physicians avoid expensive mistakes and take advantage of the right discounts and policy design features.

More resources

•       Blog: Do I pay an additional fee by using a broker to obtain disability insurance?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/do-i-pay-an-additional-fee-by-using-a-broker-to-obtain-disability-insurance
•       Blog: Do I need a broker?: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/do-i-need-a-broker
•       Educational videos: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/videos
•       PPG concierge experience: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/the-ppg-concierge-experience

Because physician disability insurance is one of those areas where small contract details can create very big real-world consequences. Billy and PPG specialize in helping physicians sort through the definitions, riders, discounts, and long-term decisions so they can make a smart choice without spending endless hours trying to decode insurance language on their own.

Just as important, PPG is built around service. Physicians get direct access to Billy, a specialist who has spent decades serving this market, along with a process designed to save time, reduce confusion, and stay helpful well beyond the initial purchase. For a lot of physicians, that combination of expertise and simplicity is exactly what they want.

More resources

•       About Billy and PPG: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/about
•       PPG concierge experience: https://ownoccdisability.com/pages/the-ppg-concierge-experience
•       Blog: My Promise To Every Client: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/my-promise-to-every-client
•       Blog: Explaining the PPG Concierge Experience: https://ownoccdisability.com/blog/explaining-the-ppg-concierge-experience