Bright Grey has launched a new income protection (IP) product which will offer the majority of customers an own occupation definition.
The product, which has removed work tasks, now offers two income protection definitions, and will offer 95% of clients an own occupation definition (based on a sample of previous applicants).
The first definition is an own occupation definition throughout the term and own occupation for one year, which will be offered to those working full time not eligible for the full own occupation definition.
Bright Grey said the own occupation for one year definition is "multi layered to make it easier to claim."
If after a year the customer isn't well enough to return to work they will be assessed against a list of seven serious illnesses including cancer and terminal illness.
If customers do not meet the definition for any of the illnesses listed they'll then be assessed against 9 everyday tasks.
If they are unable to complete 3 of the 9 tasks, the payment will continue to be paid, the insurer added.
Meanwhile, people not working or working for fewer than 16 hours a week will be offered cover against a list of serious illnesses and everyday tasks.
Jennifer Gilchrist, senior product development manager at Bright Grey said: "Unfortunately income protection is often a last consideration when reviewing a clients' protection needs, but in order to protect their financial security if they're unable to work because of illness, it needs to be the first thing on the list.
"By providing an element of own occupation, a serious illness list, as well as everyday tasks, we are making it easier for customers to claim and increasing consumer confidence in income protection."
