Unum has announced the launch of a free ‘Assistance Programme' called Unum LifeWorks for all new and existing holders of its individual income protection (IP) policies.

Scottish Provident paid out on 93% of all claims assessments concluded between January and June 2009 (an increase of six percentage points on the first half of 2008).

Since April we have been hearing growing reports of a new strain of influenza virus, officially named 'H1N1' and, more commonly, 'swine flu'. Fergus Bescoby asks: What does it all mean to the insurance industry?

ASDA has announced plans to triple the number of customers covered by its over 50s life insurance plan.

Aviva has announced the introduction of a new tele-interview underwriting approach for Group Risk customers.

Capita Financial Software's research arm, Synaptic, has launched a new area of Synaptic Product Research, enabling advisers to research and recommend locum insurance products, which are designed to cover the costs of absence for medical professionals....

Both the protection and healthcare arms of AXA contributed to the company's UK and Ireland earnings rising 2% for the first half of the year.

Pulse Insurance has entered the Income protection (IP) market. As with the firm's life and medical products it will be aimed at the impaired life and difficult to place market.

Medicare International has launched a new international private health insurance policy option, Executive Plus, aimed at working and retired expatriates worldwide. Clients can now choose between four levels of cover.

Lead generation company Leadbay has launched a trial in private medical insurance leads with Best Health UK and Chase Templeton.