Be it pre or post election, there are always imperatives; things any government or government in waiting must aim for.
With perhaps the exception of long term care few currently concern the protection and health insurance sectors.
Never the less COVER has polled senior people in the industry for sensible policies they wish to see an incoming government pursue.
All were asked: "If you could see one new thing relating to protection or health insurance on a Government manifesto, what would it be?"
Possibly the most likely to see his wish fulfilled is consultant Clive Waller, senior partner at CWC Research, he said: "I would like to see government and industry joined to address the problems of people in long term disability.
"It seems to be logical that government and insurance would work in tandem."
With long term care and the benefit systems both in the political limelight this is likely to get on the agenda.
Several chose to focus on public education.
Wojciech Dochan, head of commercial marketing at Unum, suggested giving both employers and employees education about the role of financial protection in the work place, through the formation of a consumer financial education body.
Andy Couchman, director at bank house communications, agreed in almost the same terms for individual sales. He added: "This would cost the Government very little to do and there would be a benefit to the state - the more people have protection insurance the less the claim on the state.
"This policy has virtually zero costs up front and measurable results later."
Consultant Peter LeBeau of Le Beau Visage called for an annual personal statement detailing both the state's and employers contribution in the case of being unable to work.
He envisioned a similar format to the annual P60.
Details would include state benefit levels and a breakdown of what the employer had undertaken to pay in sick pay or associated insurances.
Le Beau revealed this concept had already been put to senior members of the Labour Party.
Whatever happens, Dec White, group risk marketing manager at Friends Provident, just wants clarity on any legislation coming through: "Because that will convince employers to retain their group risk benefits.
"The group risk market is very important in providing much needed protection in UK.
"It's important we have clarity on those issues that could threaten this market," he added.
From the less likely end of the wish list, Andy Ward, partner at Yoursure would like to see non-advised, execution-only business disappear, alongside improving advice standards and compensation schemes.
He said: "I would like more free advice for protection because there's a huge shortfall.
"It's very unlikely though."
On the health side, Alistair Sclare, healthcare director at Groupama would like to see PMI policyholders allowed to use the NHS when it suits them, without fear of rejection by the NHS as they have previously used the private sector.
"We can ensure policyholders obtain the service they desire, while easing the strain on the NHS to the benefit of all.
"This could also reduce PMI costs, allowing more people to buy, further reducing the strain on the NHS," he said.
Andy Milburn, head of marketing at Munich Re has an element of compulsory protection to be brought in with the 2012 pension reforms on his wish list.
This is envisaged as following the Australian model.
The compulsion for employers to offer pension schemes has resulted in 81% of Australia's workers covered by a company sponsored scheme.
An element of these schemes is set aside for basic protection cover, with the employee at liberty to increase cover by paying more.
"The majority of Australians are underwritten for life insurance and able to access further products, such as IP, at group rates," he said.
