Disability Insurance

Protecting your future with disability insurance

As an IU resident, it’s important to have protection if something unexpected affects your ability to work. That’s why you’re provided with comprehensive long-term disability insurance at no cost through the Med Plus Advantage Program.

This coverage—underwritten by The Standard Insurance Company and sponsored by the American Medical Association—is designed specifically for resident physicians. It offers financial protection and support to help safeguard your income and your future, as well as 24/7 emergency travel assistance through Assist America.

To request services in the event of a travel emergency, call Assist America 24/7 at +1-800-872-1414 within the U.S. or +1-609-986-1234 outside of the U.S.

Key plan features

Here’s what your coverage includes:

  • Monthly disability benefit: Financial support while you’re unable to work, up to $2,500 per month (doubles to $5,000 per month for qualifying disabilities).
  • Lump sum benefit: One-time $5,000 lump-sum payment if you become permanently and totally disabled.
  • Minimal waiting period: Benefits begin after 90 days of disability.
  • Maximum benefit period: Benefits can potentially continue up to normal Social Security retirement age (typically age 67).
  • Student loan payoff: For qualifying disabilities, the plan will repay up to $200,000 in eligible medical school or college loans.
  • Survivor benefit: If you pass away while receiving disability benefits, your survivors may be eligible for a lump sum payout.

View full provisions in the plan document

Assist America global emergency services

The Assist America program provides 24/7 comprehensive support if you experience an emergency while traveling. They completely arrange and pay for the assistance they provide you, which alleviates many of the obstacles and potential expenses that can be caused by medical emergencies away from home. Keep in mind that this is not travel or medical insurance.

Covered services include:

If you become ill or injured while traveling, Assist America can provide the following support:

  • Medical consultation, evaluation & referral – assessment by medical personnel and referral to appropriate providers.
  • Hospital admission guarantee – validation of coverage or advancement of funds for hospital admission outside the U.S.
  • Emergency medical evacuation – arrangement of transport to the nearest appropriate medical facility.
  • Medical monitoring – ongoing communication with medical providers and updates to family.
  • Medical repatriation – transportation home or to a rehabilitation facility after discharge.
  • Prescription assistance – help replacing lost or needed prescription medications.

  • Emergency message transmission – delivery of authorized emergency messages.
  • Emergency trauma counseling – telephone-based counseling and referrals to qualified counselors.

  • Compassionate visit – transportation for a family member or friend during extended hospitalization.
  • Care of minor children – arrangement and payment of transportation for children left unattended due to a medical emergency.

  • Lost luggage or document assistance – help locating lost luggage, documents, or personal belongings.
  • Interpreter & legal referrals – referrals to interpreters and legal professionals.
  • Pre-trip information – country profiles with visa requirements, immunization guidance, and security advisories.

Who is covered?

As an IU resident with long-term disability insurance, you and your family members are automatically covered by Assist America. This includes your spouse and dependent children through age 26, regardless of student or marital status.

When are you covered?

Assist America services are available any time you travel outside of your home country or 100 miles or more from your permanent residence within your home country for less than 90 days. If your trip exceeds 90 days, contact Assist America directly to understand your options.

Download the Assist America wallet card
Keep it with you whenever you tavel internationally.

Extending your coverage

You can purchase your own individual disability policy during the last 12 months of your residency or fellowship.

  • $7,500 monthly benefit: This provides financial support while you’re unable to work.
  • Future increase option rider: Allows option to increase the $7,500 monthly benefit to $15,000 of monthly benefit as your income grows.
  • Limited underwriting to qualify for this coverage. Residents or Fellows concerned about their medical history should look at this option in their last 12 months at IU.
  • 20% discount and unisex pricing for IU Residents and Fellows.

Contact for questions

For questions about this policy, reach out to:

For questions about claims or conversion, contact The Standard Insurance Company at +1-503-321-7000. Reference group policy number 644180-B.