CIExpert has given its verdict on Bright Grey's critical illess (CI) policy revamp citing its children's cover improvement as a notable change.
The insurer announced its policy changes will take effect from 29th September.
Alan Lakey, director of CI Expert said Bright Grey is the latest insurer to shake up its critical illness offering following on from recent upgrades by Beagle Street and Legal & General.
Lakey added: "Of particular note are the changes to the children's cover which has been extended to cover children from birth to age 21, no longer exclude congenital conditions and has increased the potential payment to the lower of £25,000 and 50% of the parents sum assured."
Changes to Existing Conditions
Blindness Like Ageas, Friends Life, HSBC, L&G and Old Mutual Wealth, Bright Grey has exceeded the ABI model wording by moving to a 6/60 Snellen score or severe
reduction to visual field. The ABI wording is stricter and more precise than
the clinical definition of ‘blind' so this change will widen the scope for agreed
claims.
Heart Attack Like other leading insurers Bright Grey has removed the requirement for a specified level of raised enzymes or troponins. This transforms the claim paying potential back to pre-2007 days when specific levels of troponins werenot required.
Loss of Limb Like many other insurers Bright Grey has moved from a two limb requirement to one limb.
Multiple Sclerosis The claim requirement has been made friendlier by now requiring either continuous symptoms for three months or two or more episodes of motor or sensory function.
Paralysis of Limbs As with Loss of Limb the claim requirement has been reduced to one limb only.
Parkinson's Disease The drug abuse exclusion has been removed but Parkinsonian Syndromes are specifically excluded.
Stroke As per the industry trend the requirement for "persisting clinical symptoms"
has been lessened to "persisting clinical symptoms lasting at least 24 hours".
New Conditions
Carcinoma in situ of the Cervix An additional condition with payment limited to the lower of £15,000 or 20% of the sum insured if treated by hysterectomy.
Cardiac Arrest A claim is validated by cardiac arrest treated by the implantation of a defibrillator. Bright Grey joins Aegon, Aviva, Friends Life, LV= and Old Mutual
Wealth in including this condition.
Devic's Disease This rare neurological condition offers similar symptoms to Multiple Sclerosis.
Ovarian Tumour of Specified Severity Payment limited to the lower of £15,000 or 20% of the sum insured higher than LV= the other insurer offering this condition.
Partial Loss of Sight An additional condition with payment limited to the lower of £15,000 or 20% of the sum insured if 6/24 Snellen measurement in better eye.
