The provider says it has enhanced definitions for two 'top five' CI conditions enhanced - stroke and multiple sclerosis and 57 conditions are now covered with 11 additional benefits. The 18-month exclusion on terminal illness has been removed.
The enhancements will be introduced on all new policies from today (9 December 2013) and will focus on some of the top five reasons for claims, including stroke and multiple sclerosis, respectively the third and fourth most common conditions claimed for.
The top five conditions - cancer, heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis and benign brain tumour - account for 93% of Aviva's critical illness claims.
Further critical illness additional benefits will also be added for specific cancers and brain conditions. This brings the total number of conditions covered to 57, including 11 additional benefits. In total 18 of Aviva's CI definitions are now ABI+ as a result of the changes.
This is the latest in a series of changes to Aviva's protection policies this year, in a bid to further increase the number of claims paid, says the company. It follows improvements to Aviva's critical illness heart attack definition in July, and a move to underwrite all income protection policies as own occupation in October.
Stroke and multiple sclerosis (MS) definitions: Under the new definitions, customers diagnosed with MS will no longer be required to present continuous symptoms for three months. Instead they will just need a definite diagnosis with current symptoms. Similarly if a customer suffers a stroke, they will no longer need to have permanent symptoms in order for their claim to be paid.
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Every year around 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke while 2,500-3,000 people a year in the UK are diagnosed with MS annually, saus Aviva.
Four new critical illness additional benefits added: Under new policies, customers will also receive a payment of up to £20,000 if they are diagnosed with one of the following conditions:
• Carcinoma in situ of the cervix requiring treatment with hysterectomy
• Carcinoma in situ of the testicle requiring surgical removal of one or both testicles
• Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the brain with specified treatment
• Cerebral aneurysm with specified treatment
These benefits have been chosen because in each case, without treatment, the conditions can lead to one of the top five critical illnesses.
Terminal illness 18-month restriction removed: Aviva has extended the scope of its terminal illness benefit which is paid to life insurance customers if they are diagnosed with a terminal illness and expected to live less than 12 months. Previously customers were unable to claim under this benefit if they were diagnosed within the last 18 months of their plan, but this exclusion has now been removed on new policies.
Robert Morrison, chief underwriter for Aviva says: "It's our business to pay claims, so our latest enhancements have been developed to make sure that more customers will receive a payment at a time when they need it most."