As long as you qualify for a deferment you can continue to take it. After consolidating the rules for deferments might have changed so each time you think you might qualify for a deferment ask your lender. Forberances are were you accure interest on all parts of the loan but do not have to make any payments can be taken quite frequently too as long as you qualify and keep within the lenders restrictions.

there is a economic hardship which can extend 4 years, there is an interest only payment that last 2 years.. There is a income sensitive (u pay a percentage of ur income) this can go 4 years I think.. Then u have some for illness, unemployement or underemployment… I would say probably 20 years if u qualify for all the deferments.. And if u ever get sick and become disabled they will write them off and cancel the debt.

I’ve heard of Doctors that never repay their loan. They keep putting them off several times.