Here is part one of COVER magazine's countdown of the most read protection, healthcare and employee benefits stories during 2015.
11. AXA PPP reclaims over £100k following surgeon mis-billing
In June 2015, AXA PPP revealed that it had reclaimed £100,000 following a lengthy investigation into the billing practices of a plastic and reconstuctive surgeon.
One of the biggest stories of the year was that another major life office, Aegon, no longer wanted to be represented by the Association of British Insurers.
13. Jelf group in takeover discussions
In a year of major adviser firm consolidations, COVER revealed in August that employee benefits consultancy Jelf was in talks to merge with Marsh. The deal was completed in December 2015.
14. Scottish Widows re-enters adviser market with protection platform
After years of speculation, Scottish Widows re-entered the individual protection market in October 2015 following its parent company Lloyd's decision to cut standalone protection advice from bank branches.
15. Aviva to close three Manchester sites after Friends Life acquisition
During a major year for Aviva which concluded the purchase of Friends Life, the insurer revealed redundancies and the closure of three Manchester offices.
16. AIG Life announces resignation of MD
Shortly after Ageas Protect's rebrand to AIG Life, managing director Darren Spriggs announced his departure.
17. Bupa: PMI risks becoming ‘a Yellow Pages' in the Google age
In the most memorable soundbite of the year regarding private medical insurance, Bupa's Alex Perry set forward his case for how the industry needs to innovate and prove its worth.
18. Canada Life returns to individual protection market
Group risk specialist Canada Life made a surprising decision to launch four new life insurance plans for individuals.
19. Former LV= boss Mark Jones joins Sunlife
During late 2014, LV= saw restructures and the departure of key senior management figures. Months later, the insurer's former head of protection revealed his new role with a D2C player.
20. Exeter Family Friendly to rebrand
At the COVER Summit, the friendly society announced a change of name and strategy with the intention of being known as a 'challenger' brand.
