What Happens If I Lose My Medical At United Airlines

Pilot’s Portfolio

In this final episode of the Loss of Medical series, Timothy P. Pope, CFP® turns the spotlight on United Airlines. Tim offers a full breakdown of United’s disability coverage—from how benefits are calculated to the contractual caps and offsets that impact long-term payouts. He also reviews the ALPA supplement options, including monthly add-ons and a lump sum feature.

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• United’s Disability Formula: Learn how the 1026-hour rule works and what it means for your monthly income if you lose your medical.
• Understanding the Cap: Why pilots earning over ~$358k in 2025 could be limited by a hard monthly maximum.
  Tax Treatment: United’s benefit is after-tax by default - Tim explains why that can work in your favor.
• NEC Contributions While Disabled: Where it goes and why it still matters for your long-term savings.
• ALPA Supplement Options: Review of United's three ALPA disability add-ons-Base, Plus, and Lump Sum - and how to assess what’s right for you.
• Life Insurance Observations: A brief comparison of United’s life insurance benefit versus other major carriers - and why pilots should negotiate for more.

Resources:
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This episode is sponsored by: Beacon Relocation

Beacon Relocation is a real estate firm helping pilots and air traffic controllers save money on their real estate transactions. By tapping into their network of over 1500 real estate agents across the country, pilots can save 20% of the real estate agent’s commission towards your closing cost on the sale or purchase of your home. Visit https://www.beaconrelocation.com/ to learn more.

Timothy P. Pope is a Certified Financial Planner™and principal owner of 360 Aviation Advisors, LLC (“360 Aviation Advisors”), a registered investment advisory firm. Investment advisory services are provided through 360 Aviation Advisors, in its separate and individual capacity as a registered investment adviser. Podcast episodes are provided through Pilot’s Portfolio, in its separate and individual capacity.

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