Individual Protection

COVER's poll this month concerns the Government's Fit Note and Employment and Support Allowance legislation.

While eight out of ten employees could not get by on less than half salary, just 40% of employers offer this level of financial support to those on long term sick leave, research has shown.

LifeSearch has accused providers of commuting Family Income Benefit (FIB) payments into lump sum payments and called for the practice to stop.

Aviva has reduced the number of doctor reports requested for life insurance applications by 60%.

Aegon has extended its tele-claims service to income protection, waiver of premium and total and permanent disability products.

Legal & General and Newbury Building Society have entered a joint distribution agreement for protection products.

Fortis has confirmed it will be re-branded as Ageas after the move was granted shareholder approval.

Be it pre or post election, there are always imperatives; things any government or government in waiting must aim for.

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Pioneer has hit out at providers who "change the goalposts" mid-claim while also joining the chorus of insurers urging all income protection (IP) claims approval rates to be published.