Which definition of total disability is MOST favorable to the insured during the ENTIRE benefit period?

Explanation

A 'true own-occupation' definition pays the insured as totally disabled whenever they cannot perform the material duties of THEIR specific occupation — even if they can earn income in a different field. This is the most favorable definition and is most often available to physicians, attorneys, and other specialty professionals (at higher premium). The modified own-occupation definition is the common 'split definition' — favorable for the first two years, then narrows to any-occ. The any-occupation definition is the strictest test, used by Social Security Disability Insurance — the insured must be unable to perform any reasonably suited job. The gainful-occupation definition is in between. The order from most-to-least favorable to the insured: true own-occ → split → gainful → any-occ.