Apply for GSI Now or Wait for Better Underwriting?
Looking for advice regarding my DI situation.
I am a current resident graduating in June. Following a recent medical event from which I have fully recovered, I worked with an insurance agent who informally reached out to the "big five" DI carriers. Based on those discussion, I was advised to wait until ~October 2026 before formally applying for medically underwritten coverage.
I recently spoke with another agent who is able to obtain GSI coverage for me through Principal. However, this would first require submitting a medically underwritten application, with the GSI option serving as a fallback if underwriting is unfavorable. The GSI offers would reportedly be guaranteed regardless of the underwriting outcome, with max benefit $5-7.5k/month. It would not include a blanket increase or COLA rider, though it includes a 3% annual automatic increase without medical underwriting.
My concern is whether formally applying now could negatively affect my future insurability (for example through a decline, rating, exclusion, postponement, or MIB reporting), especially if I may have a stronger underwriting outcome by waiting several more months as originally advised.
I understand that obtaining DI earlier in residency would likely have been ideal, but I am trying to make the best decision based on my current circumstances.
Thank you all -- happy to answer any clarifying questions