Work on Your Own Terms
Own Occupation disability insurance pays even if you can do something else. "True" Own Occupation disability insurance takes this idea one step further by allowing you to work in a different occupation while on claim without a reduction in disability benefits, creating a path to full income replacement.
Example
A Cardiovascular Surgeon is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Although symptoms are so far minor and intermittent, a key part of disease management is stress reduction, rendering him/her unfit to perform surgery or commit to a hectic schedule.
With True Own Occupation Disability Insurance, full benefits are payable without offset even if the Cardiovascular Surgeon earns income in a different occupation with reduced stress.
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Teaching at a University
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Government work
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Consulting, perhaps self employed
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Research work
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Primary Care or other medical specialty
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Starting a business
What Does the "True" in True Own Occupation Disability Insurance Mean?
"True" Own Occupation coverage is not the same thing as own-occupation coverage.
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Without the "true", a person on claim is not allowed to work, even in a different occupation. Or if they are, benefits are subject to reduction.
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True own occupation permits unlimited earnings in another occupation while disabled from one's own occupation, without reducing benefits, creating a path to 100% income replacement or more.
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Specialty true own occupation may be included, which defines the occupation more narrowly. Specialty language is arguably not necessary since the specialty is entered on the application, which is part of the policy. However, it's more reassuring.
Carriers use different words to describe the true own occupation concept. Besides "true," it may also be referred to as "regular" own occupation or "pure" own occupation.
True own occupation always requires a rider, for additional cost. The base policy alone is not sufficient because the base policy will define disability with a not-working requirement. Only through the attachment of the correct rider is it possible for a policy to be "true" own occupation.
Healthcare occupations eligible for true own occupation
Acupuncturist
Administrator
Allergist
Anethesiologist
Anesthetist
Audiologist
Assistant (medical or technician)
Cardiologist
Case Manager
Certified Medical Aide
Certified Nurse's Aide
Colorectal Surgeon
Coroner
Critical / Intensive Care Physician
Dentist
Dentist (pediatric)
Dermatologist
Dosimetrist
Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) Physician
Electrophysiologist
Emergency Room Physician
Endocrinologist
Endodontist
Epidemiologist
Family Practice / General Practice Physician
Gastroenterologist
General Surgeon
Genetics Physician
Geriatrician
Gynecologist
Hematologist
Hepatologist
Hospitalist
Immunologist
Infectious Disease Physician
Inhalation Therapist
Internal Medicine Physician
Midwife
Moh's Surgeon
Neonatologist
Nephrologist
Neurologist
Neuropsychiatrist
Neurosurgeon
Nuclear Medicine Physician
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Obstetrician
Occupational Medicine Physician
Oncologist
Opthamologist
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Osteopath (DO)
Othodontist
Orthopedic Surgeon
Otolaryngologist
Pain Management Physician
Paramedical Examiner (RN, office duties only)
Pathologist
Pediatrician
Perfusionist
Periodontist
Physiatrist
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation / Physiatrist
Physician's Assistant
Plastic Surgeon
Podiatrist
Proctologist
Prosthodontist
Psychiatrist
Psychoanalist
Psychologist
Psychotherapist
Pulmonologist
Radiation Therapist
Radiologist
Registered Nurse (RN) - office, clinic only
Respiratory Therapist
Rheumatologist
Speech Therapist
Sports Medicine Physician
Surgical Assistant
Thoracic Surgeon
Toxicologist
Urgent Care Physician
Urologist
Vascular Surgeon
Venous Disease Specialist
Veterinary Anesthesiologist
Don't see your occupation? Please ask.