London-based insurer Realm Protection has launched a new simplified income protection product.
The protection product pays a monthly benefit for up to five years if the policyholder is unable to work due to illness or disability.
Cover can be taken out between the ages of 22 and 61, as long as applicants are resident in the UK for nine months of the year.
The maximum monthly benefit is £2,500 or 75 per cent of monthly income, and claims are made on an own occupation basis.
An accidental death benefit of £30,000 is automatically included regardless of the sum assured and claims can be paid after a chosen deferred period of 30 or 60 days. Premiums are guaranteed for the first five years.
Along with its existing income protection and mortgage payment protection insurance products, the new deal is available through financial advisers, mortgage brokers, comparison sites and directly on the company’s website.
Sandip Roy-Chowdhury, Realm’s chief executive, said many people drop out of the typical protection application process because it is complicated, often intrusive medically and time consuming, with people unsure what the outcome will be.
“Our guaranteed acceptance cover offers an alternative to advisers and consumers who want instant cover combined with a quality product.”
Adviser View
John Garcia, a financial adviser at Charlotte James IFA, said: “The new product helps to provide access for those who may not otherwise be able to get this vital type of cover due to current or past health problems.
“Overall we like the simple underwriting and application process and think this is a very good addition to the market.”
peter.walker@ft.com
