Story at-a-glance
- “Own-occupation” disability insurance protects your specific job duties—not just your ability to work in general.
- If your policy has a “True Own-Occupation” definition of disability, your benefits could continue even if you work in a different role after becoming disabled.
- Guardian’s enhanced definition includes special coverage if you perform surgery or hands-on care.
- It’s the strongest protection available for medical professionals.
What Is “True Own-Occupation” Coverage?
Not all disability insurance is created equal. One of the most important terms to understand is “true own-occupation.”
This means you’re considered totally disabled—and eligible for benefits—if you can’t perform the material and substantial duties of your occupation, even if you’re working in a different job.
For example:
Let’s say you’re a surgeon, and an injury prevents you from operating. You switch to teaching or consulting.
With true own-occupation coverage, you’ll still eligible to receive disability benefits even though you’re working in a new role.
Guardian’s Enhanced “True Own-Occupation” Definition
According to Guardian’s Provider Choice policy, you are considered totally disabled if, solely due to injury or sickness, you are unable to perform the material and substantial duties of your occupation.
But it goes further for medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathy (DOs):
- If more than 50% of your income comes from surgical procedures, and you can no longer perform surgery, you are considered totally disabled—even if you continue working. -OR-
- If more than 50% of your income comes from hands-on patient care, and you can no longer provide that care, you’re also considered totally disabled—even if you’re still employed in some capacity.
That’s a big deal. It means you could shift to other duties in your field without losing your benefits.
Why This Matters for Doctors
Why This Matters for Doctors
Your job is specialized. It requires your hands, your eyes, your stamina, and your focus. If you lose the ability to do your exact role—even temporarily—your income is at risk.
With a weaker definition (like “any occupation” ), you might have to be completely unable to work anywhere to qualify for benefits. That’s not realistic for most physicians or dentists—and it puts your income protection at risk.
Own-Occupation = More Control, Less Stress
Disability insurance with a true own-occupation definition gives you:
- Freedom to keep working in another role without losing benefits
- Protection for your specific occupation
- Peace of mind that your income is covered—even if your career shifts
Final Thought
If you’re a physician or dentist, make sure your disability policy includes a true own-occupation definition.
Guardian’s Provider Choice policy is one of the strongest in the industry. It protects your specific occupation, and the income that makes everything in your life possible.
Want to know if your current policy includes this protection?
Click the button below to request a free review or quote.
Ready to protect your future?
Get a personalized side-by-side policy comparison of the leading disability insurance companies from an independent insurance broker.
