31 Jul 2015

  • Seven critical illness conditions enhanced
  • One new additional benefit added
  • Two conditions enhanced to ABI+ definitions*
  • Definitions made clearer to explain when claims can be made

Aviva has enhanced definitions for seven critical illness conditions and added a new additional benefit, to increase the number of claims paid.

Definitions have been enhanced for Alzheimer's disease, blindness, deafness, intensive care, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.

The enhancements vary according to the condition, but include extending cover to the end of the policy's term for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease (previously ended at age 65) and widening the multiple sclerosis definition to enable payment on diagnosis, instead of requiring three months of continuous symptoms.

Ulcerative colitis has also been added as an additional benefit, while carcinoma in situ of the breast - also an additional benefit - has been enhanced, removing an exclusion for lobular carcinoma in situ. Additional benefits mean that customers receive a payment of up to £25,000** while the policy continues in force and the sum assured is unaffected.

The enhancements apply to new critical illness policies taken out from 20 July 2015. The changes have been introduced ahead of the December 2015 deadline for implementation of the ABI's statement of best practice for critical illness insurance.

Robert Morrison, chief underwriter for Aviva says: "It's our number one priority to make sure we pay as many claims as possible, so we're continually looking at our claims records to understand where claims have not been paid and the reasons why. We've enhanced cover across a range of conditions, widening our definitions so more claims can be accepted.

"We also found that in some instances we were more likely to pay claims than our policy wording might have suggested, so we have made some updates to reflect our claims philosophy more accurately. We've also revised the descriptions of some conditions, so it's clearer to customers what will be considered during a claim, and they can know exactly what to expect, making for a better customer journey all round."

The changes mean that 56 conditions are covered under Aviva's critical insurance policies, including 11 additional benefits. The number of ABI + definitions* has increased to 19.

- Ends -

If you are a journalist and would like further information, please contact: Melissa Loughran, Aviva Press Office : 01904 452791 : 07800 691947 : melissa.loughran@aviva.com

Notes to editors:

* Where a definition is described as ABI+, this means that the Aviva definition goes beyond the parameters set by ABI guidelines.
** Customers receive a maximum of £25,000 or 25% of the sum assured, whichever is lower.

About Aviva:

  • Aviva provides life insurance, general insurance, health insurance and asset management to 34* million customers, across 16 markets worldwide
  • In the UK we are the leading insurer serving one in every four households and have strong businesses in selected markets in Europe, Asia and Canada. Our shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and we are a member of the FTSE100 index.
  • Aviva's asset management business, Aviva Investors, provides asset management services to both Aviva and external clients, and currently manages over £245 billion in assets.
  • Aviva helps people save for the future and manage the risks of everyday life; we paid out £24.6 billion in benefits and claims in 2014.
  • By serving our customers well, we are building a business which is strong and sustainable, which our people are proud to work for, and which makes a positive contribution to society.
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