Impartial reviews on the latest products and how they can impact consumers.
March 2017 Health Shield: HCP
Health Shield has introduced a number of changes to its existing health cash plans (HCPs). The changes include: A new online benefit and resource hub for members has been added. Called mywellness, this is a one-stop shop for benefits and various resources, designed to encourage members to improve their lifestyle and everyday health and wellbeing. Physio Triage. This new benefit gives members access to advice, support and treatment, to help them recover from musculoskeletal injuries as fast as possible. Discounted screening. This new discounted cancer screening benefit includes access to a network of cancer specialists, plus advice and support. Workplace…
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March 2017 Scottish Widows: CI
Scottish Widows has made a number of changes to its critical illness products, around two main areas: Consolidating some definitions. Updating, widening and adding others. In more detail, the key changes are: A new additional payment condition of carcinoma in situ with surgery widens cover in this area and incorporates the old headings of carcinoma in situ of the breast; cervix uteri; endometrium; oesophagus, and testes. The benefit pays the lower of £25,000 or 25% of the sum insured. Four other carcinoma in situ definitions (for bladder, prostate, ovarian and pituitary) are retained as they have a more precise claim…
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February 2017 LV=: IP
LV= has updated its existing individual income protection product, introducing a number of changes aimed at increasing access and providing wider cover. Two new features are: Fracture Cover. This benefit pays up to £2,200 on a sliding scale for specified bone fractures, the benefit depending on the fracture. Death Benefit. This is £5,000 if they die in the first four years, rising to £10,000 after that. Both the new benefits are automatic and provided at no additional cost. There is also no further underwriting or application forms to complete, LV= says. At the same time, LV= has added: A Premium…
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February 2017 Freedom Insurance: PMI
Freedom Health Insurance has looked at its Elite plan for the start of a programme of product improvements planned for 2017. Elite is a menu based PMI plan, available to both individuals and groups, offering comprehensive cover, and a selection of additional benefits offering a choice of limits, two hospital bands and a range of excess options. The policy is underwritten by Advent Insurance. The changes now introduced include: Reducing the number of policy exclusions. Moving pregnancy complications and maternity cash benefit to core cover. Enhancing the Freedom Elite cancer cover. Allowing outpatient diagnostic tests on GP referral. Removing the…
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February 2017 Aviva: CI
Aviva has updated its group CI cover, around benefits for children and widening the cancer cover. The children’s benefits include: Cover for child-specific illnesses. Aviva says this is a UK first in group CI and the new, enhanced policy now covers children if they are diagnosed with: - Cerebral palsy. - Cystic fibrosis. - Muscular dystrophy. - Spina bifida. - Hydrocephalus - treated with the insertion of a shunt. Cover is also provided if a child needs intensive care treatment requiring mechanical ventilation for seven days, or if they suffer a loss of independent existence which would continue to affect them throughout their life. The…
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