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Due to the time delays that GP reports can cause to the application process, L&G will no longer seek them out as the first piece of medical evidence for people under 50, and instead will accept nurse screening examinations as a speedier alternative.

For people under 40, no GP report will be automatically requested unless the sum assured for life insurance is over £1m.

Similarly, for critical illness GP reports are not routinely required for this age group unless the sum assured is over £600,000.

Russ Whitworth, underwriting and claims director for protection at L&G, said: "We're always looking to update and improve our underwriting philosophy and we felt that there was scope to speed up the process and make it easier for people to take out cover.

"Therefore, for people under 50, GP reports are no longer the first piece of medical evidence that we will look for, instead focusing on nurse screening examinations, which take up less time.

"There are sums assured where we will not require any medical evidence at all, although this limit varies with age.

"Less time spent in underwriting means that advisers have more control and people can start their policies quicker."