AAO-Endorsed Insurance Program Disability Insurance

As a member of the AAO, you have access to the AAO-Endorsed Insurance Program’s Disability Income insurance. This coverage helps protect your income if you are disabled and unable to work as an orthodontist, even if you are working in another occupation.

Like all insurance policies, Group Disability Income insurance includes specific benefits, and several options for you to select. To help explain these policy options and clarify the policy, browse our compilation of AAO-Endorsed Insurance Program Disability Insurance FAQs.

For an overview of our Group Income Disability insurance, watch this quick video.

AAO-Endorsed Insurance Program Disability Insurance FAQs

  • What is the difference between Group Disability Income insurance and individual Disability Income insurance?

Typically, group disability coverages are sponsored through an employer as a benefit. You also have access to Group Disability Income insurance through the AAO-Endorsed Insurance Program as supplemental insurance coverage. Because this group policy is tied to your AAO membership, portable coverage can stay with you, even if you switch jobs.

Additionally, because AAO-Endorsed Group Disability Income insurance offers benefits to all eligible members, this policy may have fewer coverage restrictions on pre-existing conditions than individual policies. It may also be more flexible.

  • How much coverage do I need as an orthodontist?

As a rule of thumb, your Disability Income insurance should cover up to 60% of your average monthly income. As your income increases over time, you should help ensure that your monthly benefit amount increases too.

  • Is this coverage available to residents?

The AAO-Endorsed Insurance Program endorses specific Student Disability insurance at no cost to AAO resident members. Learn more* about this complimentary coverage. Upon graduation, the Student Disability coverage can be converted to the Group Disability insurance, if eligible.

  • What does Group Disability Income insurance cost?

Annual premiums depend on the policy benefits you select. Coverage levels (between $500 to $15,000 per month), waiting periods (30, 90, or 180 days) and add-on features (cost-of-living option and future purchase option) all impact your premium.

  • What is a waiting period?

A waiting period is the number of consecutive days you must be totally disabled by illness or injury before benefits begin. With this policy you can choose a 30-, 90-, or 180-day waiting period before your benefit payments begin. Coverage with a longer waiting period is less expensive.

  • What is the future purchase option?

If you are under 50, you can increase disability income coverage for an additional premium in the future without medical underwriting. This benefit allows you to increase your monthly long-term disability benefits as your earnings grow.

  • Am I eligible for residual benefits?

You may be entitled to a residual benefit if:

– You did not receive your benefit for the full maximum period applicable to the covered total disability

– Your total disability and residual disability are not separated by a return to full-time work (20 hours per week) of at least three months

– You are prevented from earning more than 75% of your pre-total disability income

  • I have a lot of questions. Can I talk with someone about my options? 

Contact one of Lockton Affinity’s personal insurance representatives to talk through the specifics.

  • How do I get a quote?

Contact Lockton Affinity to get a quote.

  • I am ready to buy! How do I apply?

Ready to go? Perfect! Apply online in minutes.  

 

The American Association of Orthodontists understands the importance of Group Disability Income Insurance for orthodontists and orthodontic residents. See other ways the AAO-Endorsed Insurance Program can help protect your career and future at AAO-Insurance.com.

 

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This material is not intended for use with residents of New Mexico with respect to Disability Income Insurance.

*Visit AAO-Insurance.com for information, including features, costs, eligibility, renewability, limitations, and exclusions.