Modified Own Occupation
A middle-ground disability insurance provision that considers you disabled if you cannot perform the duties of your specific occupation AND you are not working in any other occupation.
Detailed Explanation
Modified own occupation coverage sits between the more lenient 'own occupation' and stricter 'any occupation' definitions. Under this provision, you qualify as disabled if you cannot perform your regular occupation, but benefits stop if you choose to work in a different occupation, regardless of income level. This differs from true own occupation coverage, which allows you to work in another field while still receiving full benefits. Modified own occupation policies typically cost less than pure own occupation coverage but provide more flexibility than any occupation policies, making them a popular compromise option for many professionals seeking disability protection.
Practical Example
Dr. Stevens, a cardiologist, developed severe arthritis that made performing surgical procedures impossible. Under her modified own occupation policy, she qualified for total disability benefits because she couldn't work as a cardiologist. However, when she later accepted a position teaching at a medical school, her disability benefits stopped—even though her teaching salary was significantly lower than her previous income. Had she had pure own occupation coverage, she could have continued receiving benefits while teaching.
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