Sacramento Occupation Insurance Attorney
Insurance companies routinely develop new marketing strategies to gain clientele in certain high income segments of society. One such example lies in disability insurance policies, as marketed to doctors – especially physicians practicing in California. Insurance policies are complicated and large insurance companies often take advantage leaving under or unpaid claim. Fortunately our Sacramento insurance lawyers have proven time and time again, by successfully litigating claims such as these, the law in these cases typically favors the insured.
In the 1980′s and early 1990′s, “own-occupation” insurance policies were presented to professionals in the medical industry as containing the absolute strongest total disability coverage. At that time, all insurance carriers who offered own-occupation disability policies maintained similar coverage, and defined total disability as, being unable to perform the “substantial and material duties” of one’s regular occupation while under the care of a physician (although if being under regular doctor’s care would not improve the policyholder’s condition, most companies would waive the “under care of a physician” requirement). The definition made it clear that if the professional could no longer do his or her job, he or she would be entitled to full benefits.
“Regular occupation” referred to the one he or she was engaged in at the time of the disability, which meant the insurance holder could pursue a different profession and their benefits would not change.
Unfortunately, over the past twenty or so years, Insurance companies across the board began reducing or eliminating benefits under these policies in order to cut costs and increase profits. For the countless physicians, surgeons and other medical professionals who purchased own-occupation policies in the 1980′s and 1990′s, this has resulted in numerous unpaid and under-paid insurance claims.
Understanding Your Long Term Disability Insurance Policy
Physicians and other professionals should choose wisely when shopping for a long term disability insurance policy. Certainly there are some professionals who may not require a pure own-occupation policy. But surgeons, obstetricians, ophthalmologists, urologists, and other specialists who would greatly benefit from pure own-occupation policies should double check their existing long term disability insurance policies, and thoroughly review any new proposals prior to signing the dotted line.
While reviewing or seeking a pure own-occupation disability policy, look for words like “any other occupation” or “gainful occupation.” Keep in mind that there may also be time limits implemented (for example, the policy may be written so that the pure own-occupation benefits exist only for the first 5 years, with restrictions taking place thereafter). If you see these or similar terms, do some comparison shopping. There are still a few insurance carriers who offer solid own-occupation policies. As always, reading the fine print is critical with insurance policies to make sure you are getting the appropriate value in exchange for the high price of your premium.
Contact a Sacramento Own Insurance Lawyer for a Case Evaluation
If you have an own occupation insurance policy concern or a similar long term disability policy and are experiencing difficulties with your insurance claim, fill out the contact form found on this page and throughout our site.
