One of the most common reasons TPD claims are rejected is that the insurer argues you don't meet the "any occupation" definition — meaning they believe you could work in some other job even if you can't do your previous one. This rejection reason is frequently wrong and can be successfully challenged.
What "any occupation" actually means
The standard "any occupation" TPD definition requires that you be unable to work in any occupation suited to your education, training and experience. It does not mean any job that exists. A carpenter with a serious back injury cannot be expected to become a surgeon. A teacher with severe depression cannot be expected to manage a complex project role.
How insurers misapply the definition
Insurers sometimes nominate theoretical alternative occupations that are unrealistic given:
- Your age, skills and experience
- The local job market
- The actual functional limitations of your condition
- Your ability to retrain or study
Challenging the rejection
- Request a vocational assessment from an independent expert who can demonstrate no realistic employment options exist
- Challenge each "alternative job" proposed by the insurer as unrealistic
- Strengthen your medical evidence around functional limitations
- Lodge an IDR complaint citing the specific misapplication of the definition
See also: own occ vs any occ explained. Check your position with a free assessment.