Who This Coverage Is For

This option is for residents and fellows whose hospital does not offer a Guardian GSI or discounted program. You are still eligible for full individual Guardian Provider Choice coverage; the only difference is that underwriting is required.

• ✔️ Residents at hospitals without GSI
• ✔️ Fellows whose programs do not include a discount or GSI
• ✔️ Trainees who want maximum future benefit potential
• ✔️ Physicians preparing for fellowship or attending roles soon

If you actually are eligible for a GSI or discounted training option, I’ll let you know before you apply. This page simply reflects the path available when no program-based benefits exist.

Why Trainees Choose an Individual Guardian Policy

When there’s no GSI or training discount at your hospital, a fully underwritten individual policy becomes your strongest way to lock in long-term income protection. It provides:

Higher Future Benefit Potential

A GSI policy in training typically caps out around $15,000/month. A fully underwritten policy with the Benefit Purchase Rider (BPR) can grow over time to up to $30,000/month of total benefits as your income increases.

More Flexibility in Policy Design

Underwriting gives you more control over the structure of your coverage:

• ✔️ Enhanced own-occupation protection tailored to your specialty
• ✔️ Ability to avoid the mandatory 24-month mental & nervous limit required on many GSI contracts
• ✔️ Choice of benefit period and riders that match your future income trajectory
• ✔️ Availability of the Serious Illness Endorsement for cancer, stroke, or heart attack-related disability
• ✔️ Option to start with graded premiums during training to keep costs low

Protection That Follows You Into Practice

Your individual policy is yours—not tied to your training institution. As you transition from residency to fellowship to attending, your coverage can expand with your career.

What Happens After You Submit Your Quote?

• ✔️ Your individual quote appears instantly based on your age and specialty.
• ✔️ I review your institution and confirm that this is the correct path for you.
• ✔️ We fine-tune your benefit amount and riders so your plan can grow as your income does.
• ✔️ If you want to apply, I will guide you through a simple, mostly paperless underwriting process.

If you should be on a different path (GSI or training discount), we switch before you apply so you always use the strongest available option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a medical exam required?
Sometimes. Many residents and fellows can be underwritten using only medical questions and records. An exam depends on your age, benefit level, and underwriting rules at the time of application.

What type of policy is this?
This is Guardian’s Provider Choice policy with an enhanced own-occupation definition for physicians, plus optional riders like BPR, FIO, and others, depending on your goals.

Can I still get GSI later?
If you move to a hospital or fellowship with a GSI program, you may be eligible then. Many physicians carry both a fully underwritten policy and a GSI policy later in training to maximize future benefit capacity.

What if my health history isn’t perfect?
Underwriting depends on your specific situation. Some conditions may lead to exclusions; others are accepted as standard. If you’re unsure, reply after your quote, and I’ll walk you through what to expect.

📞 Have questions about your coverage options?
I personally review every quote request. You can email me or text me at (301) 970-4616 with your hospital and specialty, and I’ll help you determine the best path.

— Bill Olmsted, Guardian Disability Specialist