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Own Occupation Income Protection

  • Own occupation definition - strongest protection
  • Claim if unable to do YOUR specific job
  • Cover up to 70% of your income
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Own Occupation Income Protection

Complete guide to own occupation income protection - the strongest form of income protection coverage. Own occupation definition means you can claim if unable to perform YOUR specific job due to illness or injury, even if you could do a different type of work. For example, if you're a surgeon and can no longer operate but could do administrative work, own occupation would still pay out. This provides maximum protection compared to suited occupation or any occupation definitions. Costs 10-30% more than other definitions but essential for professionals with specialised skills (doctors, lawyers, pilots, skilled tradespeople) who can't afford income drops.

By: Lorna Bailey Protection Expert Updated: 3rd January 2026

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What is an own occupation definition of incapacity?

Own occupation income protection refers to an income protection policy with an ‘ own occupation’ definition of incapacity.

An income protection policy is designed to assist you replace lost income if you’re unable to work due to sickness or accident. Typically it will payout up to 70% of your usual income.

This can assist you to take care of essential financial commitments, such as:

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Do I need own occupation income protection?

While own occupation income protection provides the greatest level of cover, the income protection you need will be the policy that meets your needs and is at a price within your budget.

Particularly, own occupation income protection can be beneficial for those who:

How much income protection insurance do you need?

The amount of income protection insurance you need depends on your individual circumstances and financial commitments. Most experts recommend covering 50-70% of your gross annual income, as this typically provides enough to maintain your standard of living if you're unable to work due to illness or injury.

When calculating how much cover you need, consider:

  • Your monthly mortgage or rent payments
  • Household bills and utilities
  • Childcare costs
  • Loan repayments and credit card bills
  • Daily living expenses for your family
  • Any savings you have that could cover short-term absences

Remember that income protection payments are tax-free, so you may not need to replace your full salary. The key is ensuring you can maintain your essential outgoings and standard of living during a period when you're unable to work.

To get an accurate quote tailored to your needs, use our free comparison service to compare quotes from 50+ UK providers, including Own Occupation Income Protection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is own occupation income protection?

Own occupation income protection is the strongest form of income protection coverage. It pays out if you're unable to perform YOUR specific job due to illness or injury, even if you could do a different type of work. For example, if you're a surgeon and can no longer operate but could do administrative work, own occupation would still pay out. This provides maximum protection compared to suited occupation or any occupation definitions.

What's the difference between own occupation and suited occupation?

Own occupation: Pays if unable to do YOUR specific job (e.g., surgeon can't operate). Suited occupation: Pays if unable to do any job you're suited for by education/training (surgeon could still do medical admin). Any occupation: Pays only if unable to do ANY job. Own occupation offers the strongest protection but costs more. Suited occupation is middle ground. Choose own occupation if: Your job requires specialised skills, You have high income, You want maximum protection.

How much does own occupation income protection cost?

Own occupation income protection costs 10-30% more than suited or any occupation policies. Example costs: 35-year-old office worker, £30,000 income, 26-week deferred period: Own occupation: £28-38/month, Suited occupation: £25-32/month, Any occupation: £22-28/month. Factors affecting cost: Age, income, occupation, health, smoking status, deferred period, benefit period. Use LifePro to compare costs across different definition types.

Who should get own occupation income protection?

Own occupation is ideal for: Professionals with specialised skills (doctors, lawyers, dentists, pilots), High earners who can't afford income drop, People with niche expertise (surgeons, airline pilots), Those doing physical specialist work (professional athletes, skilled tradespeople), Self-employed specialists. If you have transferable skills and lower income, suited occupation may offer better value.

Can I claim on own occupation income protection?

You can claim if unable to perform the main duties of YOUR specific occupation due to illness or injury. Claims process: 1. Contact insurer when unable to work, 2. Provide medical evidence from GP/specialist, 3. Wait for deferred period to pass, 4. Payments start if still unable to work in YOUR occupation. Own occupation claim approval is easier than other definitions - you don't need to prove you can't do ANY job, just YOUR job.

Will own occupation income protection pay if I can work part-time?

It depends on your policy wording. Full incapacity: Pays only if completely unable to work in your occupation (most common). Proportionate benefit: Pays reduced amount if working part-time in your occupation. Total disability: Pays if unable to perform essential duties even if working reduced hours. Check your policy schedule for exact definition. Many own occupation policies include rehabilitation support to help you return to work gradually.

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