Skip to main content

Process for Enrolling – Guardian GSI (Don’t Apply Elsewhere First)

Woman working on a computer

Are you a resident or fellow at NewYork-Presbyterian or the University of Rochester looking to enroll in the Guardian Guaranteed Standard Issue (GSI) disability policy? In this episode of Cover Your Assets, host Billy Gwaltney outlines the seamless process for enrolling in the program, highlighting its simplicity and efficiency.


Join Billy as he shares the step-by-step procedure, from filling out a pre-application form to signing the application electronically. Discover how the Guardian GSI program eliminates the need for medical screenings or extensive questionnaires, making it incredibly convenient for busy trainees.

Episode Highlights:

Learn about the quick and simple electronic pre-application form. (1:10)

Understand the importance of applying for the Guardian GSI first before considering other coverage. (2:17)

Explore the efficient processing and turnaround time, ranging from 24 hours to two weeks. (3:45)

The Cover Your Assets Podcast is on a mission to help physicians like you get their disability insurance right. You’ve spent years of your life and hundreds of thousands of dollars to become a physician – this is the career that will give you and your family everything you’ve dreamed of! Don’t let accidents, illness, or injury destroy your hard work and the life you deserve. You know you need to be insured, but how do you sort through the mountains of information when you barely have enough time to eat? On the Cover Your Assets Podcast, host Billy Gwaltney, head of Professional Planning Group, Inc., shows you exactly what you need to do to protect your income and way of life.


For more tips and advice, connect with the CYA Podcast on YouTube and visit the Professional Planning Group online. Stay up to date with Billy on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠.


If you have questions, feedback, or just want to connect, email Billy at ⁠billy@ownoccdisability.com.⁠

Back By Popular Demand: Do I Need a Broker?

This episode was first broadcast in April 2023. You can find a full episode archive by subscribing to Cover Your Assets on the platform of your choice (Apple, Spotify, Amazon, or Google). 

Some people think it’s better to skip a broker and go straight to an insurance company to avoid paying an extra fee, which is an excellent idea if you want to save money by doing the work yourself. But unfortunately, it is more complicated than you think. Going straight to the insurance companies is often more expensive because you won’t get the best rates (and you wind up paying for the broker fee anyway). In this episode, we share whether skipping a broker is a good idea, how to get the best disability coverage, and how to save yourself from coverage issues that cause frustration and hurt your wallet.

Episode Highlights:

• Can you go straight to an insurance company to avoid paying an extra fee for the broker? Here’s why it could cost you more. (1:17

• How to choose the right broker—and why not knowing this detail could cost you thousands of dollars. (2:33

• Why buying disability coverage from a large firm is the worst financial decision you can make that’ll cost you thousands in the long term. (5:18

• The three traits your disability coverage broker absolutely needs to have. (7:18

The Cover Your Assets Podcast is on a mission to help physicians like you get their disability insurance right. You’ve spent years of your life and hundreds of thousands of dollars to become a physician – this is the career that will give you and your family everything you’ve dreamed of! Don’t let accidents, illness, or injury destroy your hard work and the life you deserve. You know you need to be insured, but how do you sort through the mountains of information when you barely have enough time to eat? On the Cover Your Assets Podcast, host Billy Gwaltney, head of Professional Planning Group, Inc. (https://ownoccdisability.com), shows you exactly what you need to do to protect your income and way of life. For more tips and advice, connect with the CYA Podcast on YouTube (@billygwaltney3135) and visit the Professional Planning Group online (https://ownoccdisability.com/blog).

Stay up to date with Billy on ⁠Facebook⁠ (  / ppgcarolina)⁠  , and LinkedIn (  / billy-gwaltney-chfc-clu-rebc-8b452a75)⁠  . If you have questions, feedback, or just want to connect, email Billy at ⁠billy@ownoccdisability.com.⁠

Quote Spreadsheet Overview with Benefit Increase Rider (BIR)

Woman working on a computer

Do you want to safeguard your hard-earned success? In this episode of Cover Your Assets, host Billy Gwaltney breaks down the quote spreadsheet, providing a detailed overview of the Benefit Increase Rider (BIR) and what makes disability coverage so crucial for physicians in training.


Discover the top true specialty disability carriers and the key elements you need in your coverage plan. Learn the importance of private, portable, non-cancelable, and guaranteed renewable coverage with the BIR that allows you to expand your coverage once you become an attending. And gain valuable insights into getting this part of your financial life exactly right.

Episode Highlights:

The importance of private, portable, non-cancelable, and guaranteed renewable disability coverage. (1:17)

The benefits of the BIR and its significance for physicians in training. (3:17)

The top true specialty disability carriers and their interchangeable contract landscape. (4:42)

Key components of disability coverage and the role of a specialist broker in securing the right plan. (26:33)

The Cover Your Assets Podcast is on a mission to help physicians like you get their disability insurance right. You’ve spent years of your life and hundreds of thousands of dollars to become a physician – this is the career that will give you and your family everything you’ve dreamed of! Don’t let accidents, illness, or injury destroy your hard work and the life you deserve. You know you need to be insured, but how do you sort through the mountains of information when you barely have enough time to eat? On the Cover Your Assets Podcast, host Billy Gwaltney, head of Professional Planning Group, Inc., shows you exactly what you need to do to protect your income and way of life.

For more tips and advice, connect with the CYA Podcast on YouTube and visit the Professional Planning Group online. Stay up to date with Billy on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠.

If you have questions, feedback, or just want to connect, email Billy at ⁠billy@ownoccdisability.com.⁠

Back By Popular Demand: What Are The Top 4 Insurance Companies?

This episode was first broadcast in June 2023. You can find a full episode archive by subscribing to Cover Your Assets on the platform of your choice (Apple, Spotify, Amazon, or Google). 

Picking the right disability coverage provider is a big deal. Why? Because they’ll be your safety net when times get tough, and you’ll be paying them for a long time. Make sure it’s a wise investment. In this episode, we reveal the top companies we recommend and what to watch out for. Plus, we’ll share two more alternatives if you can’t access the top four.

Episode Highlights:

• The ultimate disability coverage: four companies you can’t afford to overlook (and why choosing otherwise could cost you thousands). (1:05

• Choose this company if you expect to have an exception during the lifetime of your policy (Note: no other company will let you add changes to your policy). (1:54

• Want the lower rates on your policy? Choose THIS to save a fortune on premiums over the years. (2:15

• Are medical screenings a concern? Can’t pick among the four companies? Here are two more companies you can look at. (3:55

• The three types of life insurance, which one is cheapest, and which to get if you want the biggest payout possible. (6:11) 

• Why self-insuring is almost always a costly mistake, even if it seems cost-effective on the surface. (10:43) 

• The surprising “life enjoyment” benefits of keeping an active life insurance policy after retirement. (16:51) 

The Cover Your Assets Podcast is on a mission to help physicians like you get their disability insurance right. You’ve spent years of your life and hundreds of thousands of dollars to become a physician – this is the career that will give you and your family everything you’ve dreamed of! Don’t let accidents, illness, or injury destroy your hard work and the life you deserve. You know you need to be insured, but how do you sort through the mountains of information when you barely have enough time to eat? On the Cover Your Assets Podcast, host Billy Gwaltney, head of Professional Planning Group, Inc. (https://ownoccdisability.com), shows you exactly what you need to do to protect your income and way of life. For more tips and advice, connect with the CYA Podcast on YouTube (@billygwaltney3135) and visit the Professional Planning Group online (https://ownoccdisability.com/blog).

Stay up to date with Billy on ⁠Facebook⁠ (  / ppgcarolina)⁠  , and LinkedIn (  / billy-gwaltney-chfc-clu-rebc-8b452a75)⁠  . If you have questions, feedback, or just want to connect, email Billy at ⁠billy@ownoccdisability.com.⁠

The Ameritas GSI Details for OhioHealth (Guaranteed Standard Issue)

In this episode of Cover Your Assets, host Billy Gwaltney delves into the details of the Ameritas Guaranteed Standard Issue (GSI) policy for residents and fellows at OhioHealth. Discover how this top-tier true specialty own-occupation disability policy provides unparalleled coverage with no required medical screening.

Billy outlines the three non-negotiable elements of a properly designed disability policy and explains how the Ameritus GSI offer ticks all the boxes. He emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of this unique opportunity while it’s available and highlights the significant benefits of securing this coverage early in your career.

Episode Highlights:

How Ameritus seamlessly incorporates the essential elements of a true specialty own-occupation disability policy. (00:19)

Three reasons why the GSI offer is a game-changer for trainees. (3:57)

Unique features of the GSI coverage, including portability, and non-cancelable and guaranteed renewable benefits. (6:03)

Potential pitfalls of delaying or applying elsewhere before taking advantage of the GSI offer. (8:35)

The Cover Your Assets Podcast is on a mission to help physicians like you get their disability insurance right. You’ve spent years of your life and hundreds of thousands of dollars to become a physician – this is the career that will give you and your family everything you’ve dreamed of! Don’t let accidents, illness, or injury destroy your hard work and the life you deserve. You know you need to be insured, but how do you sort through the mountains of information when you barely have enough time to eat? On the Cover Your Assets Podcast, host Billy Gwaltney, head of Professional Planning Group, Inc., shows you exactly what you need to do to protect your income and way of life.

For more tips and advice, connect with the CYA Podcast on YouTube and visit the Professional Planning Group online. Stay up to date with Billy on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠.

If you have questions, feedback, or just want to connect, email Billy at ⁠billy@ownoccdisability.com.⁠

Back By Popular Demand: Buyer Beware of a Lower Rate

This episode was first broadcast in August 2023. You can find a full episode archive by subscribing to Cover Your Assets on the platform of your choice (Apple, Spotify, Amazon, or Google). 

Why do shady brokers take advantage of so many innocent physicians? The biggest reason is that most people want cheaper rates, even though the top four companies offer safe, worthwhile coverage. Physicians think they’re doing the right thing but set themselves up for misfortune instead. They can lose thousands of dollars every year and face hours of stress and endless troubles when a disability case comes up. In this episode, you’ll see the common pitfalls that price shoppers face and discover how to prevent shady brokers from taking advantage of you—so you get the coverage you deserve.

Episode Highlights:

• The dirty little secret shady brokers use to dupe you into paying thousands of dollars extra for cheaper coverage. (2:25

• Three overlooked coverage mistakes that could cost you a fortune. (3:00

• Make sure you have these “Vital Cost” features in your coverage when buying (Warning: not knowing these allows your broker to take advantage of you). (3:28

• Three “Life Saving” features without which your coverage is useless (Note: Missing one of these means you’ll be left high & and dry during a disability). (4:25

• Surprising reason why using a graded premium is going to cost you thousands of dollars more instead of saving money. (5:24

The Cover Your Assets Podcast is on a mission to help physicians like you get their disability insurance right. You’ve spent years of your life and hundreds of thousands of dollars to become a physician – this is the career that will give you and your family everything you’ve dreamed of! Don’t let accidents, illness, or injury destroy your hard work and the life you deserve. You know you need to be insured, but how do you sort through the mountains of information when you barely have enough time to eat? On the Cover Your Assets Podcast, host Billy Gwaltney, head of Professional Planning Group, Inc. (https://ownoccdisability.com), shows you exactly what you need to do to protect your income and way of life. For more tips and advice, connect with the CYA Podcast on YouTube (@billygwaltney3135) and visit the Professional Planning Group online (https://ownoccdisability.com/blog).

Stay up to date with Billy on ⁠Facebook⁠ (  / ppgcarolina)⁠  , and LinkedIn (  / billy-gwaltney-chfc-clu-rebc-8b452a75)⁠  . If you have questions, feedback, or just want to connect, email Billy at ⁠billy@ownoccdisability.com.⁠

Exciting News: My Book ‘Disability Insurance for Physicians’ is Now an Audiobook!

Hello friends and colleagues,

I’m beyond excited to share a significant milestone with you all—my book, Disability Insurance for Physicians: The No-Nonsense Guide to Protecting Your Income, is now available as an audiobook! This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and seeing the book evolve into a format that’s accessible for busy professionals like you is a dream come true.

As a dedicated advocate for the financial well-being of physicians, I understand how challenging it can be to find time to sit down and read. That’s why I decided to bring the critical message of protecting your income through disability insurance into a format that fits into your busy life. Whether you’re commuting, hitting the gym, or just taking a moment to relax, you can now listen to the guidance and advice I’ve compiled over years of specializing in disability insurance for medical professionals.

What You’ll Discover

This audiobook is packed with the insights and strategies you need to secure your financial future, including:

-A detailed analysis of disability insurance policy features that are essential for physicians.

-Practical tips for assessing different insurers and policies to find the best fit for your unique needs. 

-An exploration of the financial impact of disability insurance and how it can provide peace of mind throughout your career. 

-Expert advice on the intricacies of insurance terms, ensuring you’re fully informed about what you’re purchasing.

Why This Audiobook Matters 

-Flexibility: I know your time is precious. This audiobook allows you to learn and grow, even on the busiest days.

-From Experience: The advice and knowledge I share come from years dedicated to helping physicians protect their incomes. 

-Empower Yourself: Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your financial security. This audiobook is a tool to help you make empowered decisions.

Where to Listen

You can find the audiobook version of Disability Insurance for Physicians: The No-Nonsense Guide to Protecting Your Income on most major audiobook platforms. It’s narrated with the goal of making complex information clear and digestible, regardless of your prior knowledge of disability insurance.

A Personal Invitation

I invite you to join me in exploring how disability insurance can be a cornerstone of your financial plan. With this audiobook, I hope to reach and help even more physicians understand the importance of protecting their income. Let’s embark on this journey together, ensuring a secure financial future for you and your loved ones.

Warm regards,

Billy Gwaltney  

The Ameritas GSI details for Ohio State University (Guaranteed Standard Issue)

Are you a resident or fellow at Ohio State University? You won’t want to miss this episode of Cover Your Assets as we dive into the details of the Ameritas Guaranteed Standard Issue (GSI) policy, offering exclusive coverage with no medical screening, which is now available to you.

Host Billy Gwaltney provides an in-depth look at the unique benefits of the Ameritas GSI policy for residents and fellows at Ohio State University. He outlines the three critical elements of a properly designed true specialty policy, explains the guaranteed standard issue concept, and emphasizes the importance of applying for this exclusive coverage.

Episode Highlights:

Crucial components of a true specialty own-occupation disability insurance policy and how it can benefit physicians. (1:16)

GSI and its significance for residents and fellows at OSU, including the absence of medical underwriting and exclusions. (4:04)

Exclusive benefits and features of the Ameritas GSI policy. (5:20)

Important considerations – like the requirement to apply for GSI before applying elsewhere – and next steps. (8:34)

The Cover Your Assets Podcast is on a mission to help physicians like you get their disability insurance right. You’ve spent years of your life and hundreds of thousands of dollars to become a physician – this is the career that will give you and your family everything you’ve dreamed of! Don’t let accidents, illness, or injury destroy your hard work and the life you deserve. You know you need to be insured, but how do you sort through the mountains of information when you barely have enough time to eat? On the Cover Your Assets Podcast, host Billy Gwaltney, head of Professional Planning Group, Inc., shows you exactly what you need to do to protect your income and way of life.

For more tips and advice, connect with the CYA Podcast on YouTube and visit the Professional Planning Group online. Stay up to date with Billy on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠.

If you have questions, feedback, or just want to connect, email Billy at ⁠billy@ownoccdisability.com.⁠

Should I Choose the Benefit Increase Rider (BIR) or Future Increase Option (FIO)?

Are you a physician wondering whether you should choose the Benefit Increase Rider (BIR) or Future Increase Option (FIO) for your policy? In this episode of the Cover Your Assets podcast, Billy Gwaltney dives into the pros and cons of each option. He breaks down the guidelines and requirements for both riders and explains how they can affect your coverage and cost. Whether you prioritize flexibility or cost-efficiency, this episode will help you decide on your insurance needs.

Episode Highlights

• Billy explains how BIR and FIO riders allow you to increase coverage in the future without redoing medical screenings. (1:06

• The differences between the BIR and the FIO, and how they can both lead to maximum coverage based on your income. (3:52) • The BIR requirements and guidelines, including updating your income and accepting additional coverage you qualify for. (5:22) • The flexibility of the FIO, which allows you to increase your coverage anytime and by any amount, without adhering to a specific schedule. (6:58

The Cover Your Assets Podcast is on a mission to help physicians like you get their disability insurance right. You’ve spent years of your life and hundreds of thousands of dollars to become a physician – this is the career that will give you and your family everything you’ve dreamed of! Don’t let accidents, illness, or injury destroy your hard work and the life you deserve. You know you need to be insured, but how do you sort through the mountains of information when you barely have enough time to eat? On the Cover Your Assets Podcast, host Billy Gwaltney shows you exactly what you need to do to protect your income and way of life.

Stay up to date with Billy on ⁠Facebook (  / ppgcarolina)⁠  , ⁠LinkedIn (  / billy-gwaltney-chfc-clu-rebc-8b452a75)⁠  , or ⁠YouTube (@billygwaltney3135). If you have questions, feedback, or just want to connect, email Billy at ⁠billy@ownoccdisability.com.⁠

Guardian’s GSI Details for the University of Rochester (Guaranteed Standard Issue)

Are you a resident or fellow at the University of Rochester? Have you found the key to ensuring your financial security as a physician? In this episode of Cover Your Assets, host Billy Gwaltney dives deep into Guardian’s guaranteed standard issue policy being offered to you.

Listen in as he outlines the vital elements of a properly designed specialty disability policy, including the true specialty own occupation definition of disability and enhanced partial disability benefits.

Episode Highlights:

Three vital elements of a properly designed specialty disability policy. (1:02)

Comparison of elimination periods and cost of living adjustment options. (7:34)

The risk of waiting and the importance of getting the GSI opportunity in place before applying elsewhere. (10:09)

The Cover Your Assets Podcast is on a mission to help physicians like you get their disability insurance right. You’ve spent years of your life and hundreds of thousands of dollars to become a physician – this is the career that will give you and your family everything you’ve dreamed of! Don’t let accidents, illness, or injury destroy your hard work and the life you deserve. You know you need to be insured, but how do you sort through the mountains of information when you barely have enough time to eat? On the Cover Your Assets Podcast, host Billy Gwaltney, head of Professional Planning Group, Inc., shows you exactly what you need to do to protect your income and way of life.

For more tips and advice, connect with the CYA Podcast on YouTube and visit the Professional Planning Group online. Stay up to date with Billy on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠.

If you have questions, feedback, or just want to connect, email Billy at ⁠billy@ownoccdisability.com.⁠