Disability Own-Occupation vs Any-Occupation 2027 Comparison
Compare disability insurance own-occupation (own-occ) vs any-occupation (any-occ) definitions in 2027. See the premium difference, expected claim approval probability, and lifetime benefit impact for your profession. Free, private, runs in your browser.
| Metric | Any-Occ | Own-Occ |
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What is own-occupation vs any-occupation disability insurance?
Own-occupation (own-occ) disability insurance pays benefits if you cannot perform the material and substantial duties of YOUR specific occupation — even if you can still work in another field. A surgeon who develops a tremor and can no longer operate would receive full benefits under true own-occ, even if she opens a consulting practice paying $300K. Any-occupation (any-occ) only pays if you cannot work in any occupation you're reasonably suited for by education, training, or experience.
Own-occ is the gold standard for high-earning professionals where switching to a lower-paid job would leave a large income gap. The premium premium is typically 15–30% more, but the claim approval rate is dramatically higher because the standard is easier to meet.
How to use this disability definition calculator
Enter your annual income and the monthly benefit target (typically 60–70% of pre-tax income — IRS limits tax-free private DI benefits to that range). Add the quoted annual premium for both any-occ and true own-occ from your carrier (Guardian/Berkshire Life, Principal, Mass Mutual, Northwestern, Standard). Select your profession class — class 4A or 5A occupations (surgeons, dentists, pilots) benefit most from own-occ.
The calculator shows the premium difference, the lifetime extra cost of own-occ over your working career, and the recommended definition based on profession. High-skill, high-income professionals should almost always choose true own-occ; general office workers may be adequately served by any-occ at lower cost.
When own-occ is worth the extra premium
Choose true own-occ if: your income depends on specialized skills (surgical hand-eye coordination, pilot certification, specialized legal practice), a career change would cut your income by 50%+, your specialty requires expensive certifications or licenses, you work in private practice without group long-term disability backup, or you're under 45 and have 20+ working years ahead.
Modified own-occ (own-occ for 2 or 5 years, then any-occ) is a middle ground that costs less than true own-occ but more than pure any-occ. Most group employer LTD plans use this definition. It works for many salaried professionals who could retrain or pivot careers given 2–5 years of paid recovery. Any-occ alone is appropriate primarily for generalists or those whose disabilities likely would prevent ALL work (chronic pain, mental health, cognitive impairment).
Source: naic.org Disability Income Insurance Model Regulation; iii.org Disability Insurance Basics. Updated May 2026.