Category: Group income protection · Reviewed by Tim Roche, Director · PI & Commercial · Last reviewed 2026-06-10
An “any occupation” definition under a group income protection policy treats an employee as incapacitated only if illness or injury prevents them from carrying out the duties of any occupation for which they are reasonably suited by training, education or experience. This is the most restrictive definition of incapacity used in the UK market and is materially harder to satisfy than the standard “own occupation” definition.
Category: Group income protection Also known as: Any occ Comparison: more restrictive than “own” or “suited” occupation Related concepts: Own occupation group IP, Suited occupation group IP, Group IP definitions
The any occupation test was once standard in the UK market but has largely been displaced by the more generous own occupation definition for the first two years of claim, with a switch to any occupation for long-term claims. Some legacy schemes and some lower-cost modern schemes still use any occupation throughout.
There is no statutory definition; the policy wording governs. The FCA Handbook (ICOBS 6) requires the definition to be disclosed to scheme members. The use of the more restrictive any occupation test can intersect with the Equality Act 2010 where the employer is also making reasonable adjustments to keep the disabled employee in work — the insurer’s determination that the employee could do “some” other occupation does not displace the employer’s adjustment obligations.
Under any occupation cover, an employee who could in principle perform some other gainful occupation (even if that occupation is unrelated to their training or much lower paid) may not qualify for benefit. This produces a much narrower entitlement than own occupation cover. As a trade-off, premiums for any occupation cover are typically 20–35% lower.
A senior surveyor suffers a chronic illness preventing site work. Under any occupation cover, the insurer assesses that she could perform a desk-based valuation role and benefit is declined. Under own occupation cover, benefit would have been paid because she cannot perform the surveyor role she actually held.
This entry is part of the Apex Insurance Wiki. Last reviewed by Matt Bartlett on 2026-06-10. Next review: 2026-12-10.
Apex Insurance Brokers Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 724952. Registered in England and Wales, Companies House 07014570. This entry provides general information about UK insurance concepts and is not regulated advice. Consult your insurance broker on your specific position.
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