Which definition of total disability is considered more lenient for the insured?

The definition of total disability that is considered more lenient for the insured is "Own Occupation." This term refers to a situation in which an individual is deemed totally disabled if they are unable to perform the specific duties of their own job, regardless of their ability to work in another capacity.

This standard is beneficial for professionals whose skills are specialized or require significant training, as it allows them to receive benefits if they cannot perform the tasks they were specifically trained to do, even if they could theoretically work in a different field. For instance, a surgeon unable to perform surgery may still be proficient in administrative tasks but would still qualify for total disability benefits under this definition.

Other definitions, such as "Any Occupation," are stricter as they require the insured to be unable to perform any job for which they are reasonably suited considering their education, training, and experience, making it harder to qualify for benefits. "Partial Disability" typically refers to a situation where the individual can still perform some tasks or work in a limited capacity, and "Temporary Disability" suggests a short-term inability to work, which does not provide the same level of protection as "Own Occupation."