Own Occupation Coverage
What is Own Occupation Coverage and Why Do You Keep Hearing about it?
By the time a doctor is an attending, they have been subject to multiple Lunch and Learns throughout training with disability as a common topic. Own Occupation is the leading definition for medical professionals, but what does this definition mean?
Own Occupation Coverage considers the insured totally disabled if he or she isn't able to perform the principal duties of their occupation or specialty. An example would be surgical duties for an Otolaryngologist or Root Canals for an Endodontist. If these professionals have Total Disability definition only, they may only be allowed to receive a portion of the benefit under partial disability based on how much income or time they're missing. "Own Occ" will cover the procedures since these skills account for the majority of their income.
Own Occupation also allows the client to work in another role that's not his' or her's own occupation. Depending on the policy issuer, a surgeon can become a primary care physician with more cognitive duties due to the loss of the procedural duties they once enjoyed.
Please contact us for more information on the best ways to protect your specialty!
*Own Occupation is a rider. Riders are available at an additional cost and subject to state availability.