Income Protection

Own Occupation

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All insurance companies base claims on how ill you have to be prior to any benefit being paid. 'Own' occupation definition of disability means that you will receive your claim based on your inability to perform your duties as a dentist. Many plans carry a 'suited' by training, education or experience definition. Here the benefits would be paid only if you were unable to perform an alternative role, such as research or working for a pharmaceutical company. 'Any' occupation plans should be avoided at all costs. As the wording suggests, you will have to be very ill/injured not to be able to do any job whatsoever. In our opinion own occupation will provide you with the most comprehensive cover.

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Guaranteed Rates

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You will usually pay for your cover on a monthly basis. There are two methods in which this premium can be paid, either on guaranteed rates or reviewable rates. Reviewable means that you pay a set amount for your cover for the first five years. Thereafter the insurance company can increase (or theoretically also decrease) your premium based on their overall claims experience. This is derived from the number of claims they have paid out and the prediction for future claims. Reviews normally take place every five years, however they can be annual. Reviewable rates effectively put the insurance company in charge of future premiums-an 'open cheque book' approach. ​ Guaranteed means that you pay a set amount for your cover over the duration of the plan (usually to age 60). This rate can never change regardless of how many claims you have or the company has in general. Based on these facts, you may wish to consider guaranteed premiums.

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Exclusions

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Whilst it is vital to find an income protection company that has a consistent history of paying claims on time, it is perhaps more important to check when they will not pay. These are known as exclusions. Some of the worst plans on the market include as many as 15 exclusions. Common ones include excessive alcohol, pregnancy (normal-complicated pregnancies may be covered) and dangerous activities such as mountaineering or scuba diving. Note: the latter will depend upon frequency and heights/depths involved Contact us to find out which exclusions apply to your plan(s).

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Other Criteria

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You should also include the following with your cover:

• Worldwide cover - so you don't have to return to the UK to claim
• Inflation protected ​- to make sure your standard of living is protected from inflation
• Plan to run to your retirement age - for obvious reasons!
• HIV cover - this should typically be covered if infected at work

Deferred period - ideally this should be Day 1 cover so if you have 1 day off you still get paid! Whilst the above may be appropriate for many dentists it should be considered on an individual basis. In general one plan cannot cover all the above considerations so typically to ensure you have comprehensive cover you'll need at least two income protection plans. If you'd like some more information please call us on 0845 345 5060 or email us. For pure protection insurance, we offer products from a range of insurers. Contact us to find out which exclusions apply to your plan(s).

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