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True Own-Occupation Definition

If you cannot perform the material duties of your specific occupation — even if you can work in another field — you are considered totally disabled and benefits are paid in full. Physicians and dentists who have limited their practice to a single specialty receive an even more favorable specialty-specific definition.

Non-Cancellable & Guaranteed Renewable

Once issued, Guardian cannot cancel your policy, raise your premiums, or change any policy provisions as long as you pay your premiums on time — until age 65 or 67. The policy is fully portable if you change employers.

Residual / Partial Disability Benefit

If you return to work but suffer at least a 15% loss of income due to your disability, residual benefits are payable — proportional to your income loss. Most carriers require a 20% threshold. Guardian’s unlimited recovery provision pays benefits as long as you continue to experience the income loss.

Automatic Benefit Enhancement

Your monthly benefit automatically increases each year during the first years of the policy — at no additional cost — to keep pace with income growth without requiring you to re-apply or provide new medical evidence.

Five-Year Waiver of Elimination Period

Unique to Guardian: if you suffer a disability lasting more than 6 months and receive benefits, the elimination period is waived for any subsequent disability occurring within 5 years — regardless of cause. No other major carrier offers this.

Exclusive Waiver of Premium

Premiums are waived while you’re disabled and receiving benefits — and Guardian continues to waive them for 6 months after you recover and benefits end. Most carriers stop waiving premiums the moment you stop receiving benefits.

COLA Rider

Adjusts your benefit annually while on claim for inflation — minimum 3% compounded, no cap. Increases are retained if you recover.

Future Increase Option (FIO)

Allows you to increase your benefit at future policy anniversaries without new medical underwriting — only financial underwriting required.

Student Loan Repayment Rider

Pays an additional monthly benefit designated for student loan repayment if you become totally disabled — particularly valuable for physicians early in their career.

Retirement Protection Plus (RPP)

Replaces up to 100% of retirement contributions (including employer match) paid into a trust while you’re totally disabled — protects your retirement savings during a claim.

Catastrophic Disability (CAT) Rider

Pays an additional benefit — up to 100% income replacement — if you become catastrophically disabled and cannot perform basic activities of daily living.

Serious Illness Benefit

If totally disabled due to cancer, stroke, or heart attack, Guardian pays an additional 50% of your monthly benefit on top of your regular benefit for up to 12 months.

A++ Financial Rating

AM Best’s highest rating — Superior financial strength and stability to pay claims.

Best Contract Language

Provider Choice consistently ranks as the strongest DI contract in the market for own-occupation professionals.

Occupation Class 6 Available

Physicians, dentists, attorneys, CPAs, architects, and other professionals qualify for the most favorable premium rates.