CIExpert has applauded Aviva's critical illness cover in light of the changes made today.
Three conditions have had their terms uplifted and four partial payment conditions have been
added.
The partial payments limit claims to the lower of £20,000 or 20% of the insured sum. As is the industry norm, a partial payment claim will not reduce the sum insured.
Alan Lakey, director of CIExpert, said: "This serves to confirm Aviva's commitment to the market highlighting the change in recent years where from offering a low cost but average quality plan it is now competing at the high quality end whilst continuing to retain keen pricing.
"Aviva now has 57 named conditions which, numerically, places it second behind LV= which offers
59."
Amendments and comments
Amended Full Payment Conditions
• Stroke
The claim definition has been improved to include those instances of stroke which do not
necessarily demonstrate ‘permanent symptoms'. Analysis indicates that this is likely to
increase the numbers of claims paid by over 7%.
• Multiple Sclerosis
The 3 months period for relevant symptoms has been removed and a claim will now be paid on
definite diagnosis with current clinical impairment of motor or sensory function.
• Terminal Illness
The ABI definition used by the majority of insurers requires an advised life expectancy of 12
months or less. The policy must also have 12 months of its term remaining in order to qualify.
Aviva joins Ageas, Friends Life and LV= in removing this latter restriction.
New Partial Payment Conditions
• Cerebral Aneurysm
Requires the treatment of a cerebral aneurysm by craniotomy or radiosurgery.
• Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation
Requires the treatment of an Arteriovenous malformation of the brain by craniotomy or
radiosurgery. Around 700 people undergo such treatment each year for this or the above
condition.
• Carcinoma in situ of the Cervix
Payable if policyholder undergoes a hysterectomy due to cancer in situ of the cervix. Certain
early stage cancers are excluded.
• Carcinomas in situ of the Testicle
Requires surgical removal of one or more testicles due to carcinoma in situ.
