Don insurers sometimes give free tails?
Yes, there is good news in this tail maze. Many companies offer provisions for free tail options. The standard in the marketplace today is that if you have been insured with the same company for at least five continuous years, and you fully and permanently retire from medicine you will receive a free tail. Some companies mandate that you must be at least 55 years. The least favorite ways to get a free tail from most insurers is in the case of your death or permanent disability. I advise that when you are within five years of retirement you focus on finding coverage with a company that you are confident will be firmly in the marketplace at least until your retirement so that the tail cost can be avoided. The vested tail issue can become contentious for groups with older doctors who are vested with free tails are less enthusiastic about losing their vested tails by switching the group coverage to insurers that might be offering lower rates.
