A dentist operates his own practice and is the sole income earner in his family. His disability insurance policy has an 'own occupation, not engaged' clause for the first two years, followed by 'any occupation'. If he becomes partially disabled and can still perform some administrative tasks but not full dental procedures, what is likely to happen?

Question: A dentist operates his own practice and is the sole income earner in his family. His disability insurance policy has an 'own occupation, not engaged' clause for the first two years, followed by 'any occupation'. If he becomes partially disabled and can still perform some administrative tasks but not full dental procedures, what is likely to happen?

Answer options:

• A. He will receive full benefits for the first two years, then no benefits due to the 'any occupation' change.
• B. He will receive pro-rated benefits for the first two years, then potentially full benefits if he cannot perform any occupation. ✅ C. He will receive full benefits for the first two years, as he cannot perform his primary duties, regardless of administrative work.
• D. He will receive no benefits, as he can still perform some work in his current occupation.

Correct answer: C. He will receive full benefits for the first two years, as he cannot perform his primary duties, regardless of administrative work.

Explanation: An 'own occupation, not engaged' clause typically means that if the insured cannot perform the substantial and material duties of their own occupation, they are considered totally disabled and receive full benefits, even if they choose to work in another capacity. After two years, if it switches to 'any occupation', the standards for receiving benefits become much stricter, requiring inability to perform any job suited by training/experience.