Disability Income✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 2/5
A surgeon's disability policy defines total disability under an 'own occupation' (own-occ) provision. Which statement correctly describes this coverage?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
An own-occupation definition pays total disability benefits when the insured cannot perform the material and substantial duties of their own occupation — even if they could work elsewhere. An any-occupation definition is stricter: it requires inability to work in any occupation for which the person is reasonably suited by education, training, and experience. Own-occ is the more favorable (and more expensive) definition, especially for professionals such as surgeons.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) This describes the stricter any-occupation standard, not own-occ.
- C) Bedridden confinement is a much older, extremely narrow test; modern policies are based on occupational duties.
- D) Inability to perform any gainful work describes a total-disability standard closer to any-occ; own-occ looks only at the insured's own occupation.
Memory hook
Own-occ = I can't do MY job, pay me. Any-occ = I can't do ANY job, pay me. Own-occ is the gold standard for professionals.