Protection

Mental health problems including anxiety and stress were the biggest cause of Group Income Protection (GIP) claims in the UK in 2007, research suggests.

Industry not shocked by new ICOB rules but some classification issues raised

A much misunderstood area, phobias can make sufferers' lives unbearable. Rachel Hanslope outlines the various forms phobias can take and details the implications for underwriters.

Outlook 2008

Unum has announced a number of significant changes to its Group and Voluntary Critical Illness (CI) products.

The FSA has targeted payment protection insurance (PPI) failures in its new Insurance Conduct of Business sourcebook (ICOBS).

AXA has revised its rates on a number of protection products by cutting prices on 41% of premiums with an average reduction of 3%.

Companies fail to properly protect their businesses because they remain unaware of the impact death or critical illness could have, according to research by Skandia.

Uncertainty among advisers on the benefits of protection products is stymieing innovation and flexibility in the market, research suggests.