"Own occupation" is the basis used in defining disability coverage under the ADA-sponsored Disability Income Protection and Office Overhead Expense Disability Insurance Plans. Own occupation coverage is the most generous type of disability insurance you can buy. It means that disability is determined by your inability to perform the duties of your specific occupation or profession. For example, if you are a practicing dentist performing clinical dentistry, then your occupation is the clinical practice of either general dentistry or one of the specialized areas of dental practice approved by the ADA, such as orthodontics or oral surgery.
By contrast, "any occupation" disability coverage does not consider you disabled if you are still capable of performing the duties of any occupation for which you are reasonably suited, such as teaching, consulting, sales, or administration. If you purchase "any occupation" coverage, you may not receive any cash benefits from another occupation even though you cannot physically tolerate the rigors of active dental practice.
Would my ADA-sponsored insurance plans disability benefits be reduced if I earn income outside of dentistry while I'm disabled?
No. Whether you are capable of earning income from other occupations (like teaching, consulting, or sales) or simply choose to work as a way to stay mentally or physically active, your monthly disability income benefits under the ADA-sponsored Insurance Plans will not be reduced because of income earned from another occupation.