Royal London has made enhancements to its critical illness cover.
The main change is to cancer cover; more than 60 early stage cancers are now covered under nine definitions.
According to the insurer, this will result in more claims being paid.
The additional cover definitions will pay a partial payment of the lesser of 25 per cent of cover or £25,000 for carcinoma in-situ (other), skin cancer, coronary angioplasty; or central retinal artery or vein occlusion which results in permanent visual loss.
The survival period for CIC and children’s CIC has been reduced to 10 days (from 14 days) which the insurer claimed will mean more claims can be paid and faster.
In addition, there is a new Parkinson definition that now includes Parkinson plus syndromes and incorporates multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy.
The Motor neurone disease definition has been updated to include Kennedy’s disease.
This change makes the definition meet ABI Plus standards.
Debbie Kennedy, head of protection at Royal London, said: “Medical advances mean that cancer is often being diagnosed and treated earlier. Therefore more people require support at the early stages following a cancer diagnosis.
“We’ve enhanced our critical illness cover to provide financial support and our Helping Hand provides emotional support whenever the customer needs extra help.
“Cancer was the top reason for critical illness claims last year and by covering over 60 early stage cancers Royal London is demonstrating its commitment to paying more claims and including conditions that matter and really do add value for our customers.”
Emma Thomson, life office relationship director at LifeSearch, said: “This is a positive development if it is going to help more people be able to claim.”
