Disability Insurance Basics
What is the own-occupation period in disability insurance?
Some disability insurance policies have an own-occupation period — typically the first 2-5 years of a claim — during which benefits are paid if you cannot perform your own occupation. After the own-occupation period, the definition changes to any-occupation. True own-occupation policies have the own-occupation definition for the entire benefit period.
Key Points
- Own-occupation period: typically first 2-5 years of a claim
- After own-occupation period: definition changes to any-occupation
- True own-occupation: own-occupation definition for entire benefit period
- True own-occupation is best for professionals with specialized skills
- An independent agent can help you find true own-occupation policies