Royal London has made a range of changes to its critical illness products, including no longer requiring treatment to pay a low grade prostate cancer claim.
The provider has extended the condition so a claim for low grade prostate cancer diagnosis with no requirement for surgery can still be paid to the lower £25,000 or 25 per cent of the sum insured.
The insertion of a permanent pacemaker, a claim for an aortic aneurysm or gastrointestinal stromal tumour or neuroendocrine tumour of low malignant potential have also been added as adult-only additional payment conditions.
A number of adult and child 100 per cent payment conditions have also been added, with heart failure, cauda equina syndrome, peripheral vascular disease and pulmonary artery graft surgery all now featuring in the cover.
Royal London has amended some of the wording of its adult and child conditions, widening the scope of a successful claim.
Under a claim for multiple sclerosis the wording has been simplified to trigger a successful claim where there is current or previous impairment of motor or sensory function.
The previously named claim of 'open-heart surgery' has been changed to structural heart surgery and the requirement for median sternotomy has been removed enabling claims for thoracotomy treatment.
Christina Rigby, product specialist at Royal London, said: "We have made these enhancements to our critical illness cover to ensure claims are paid, regardless of the different treatments clients may receive.
"By expanding and adding to these key definitions and focusing on the most common areas for claim, Royal London continues to fully protect customers when it matters most."
Alan Lakey, director at CI Expert, said the changes show Royal London is continuing to aim its plan at those advisers who focus on quality over cost.
He said: "The latest improvements are commendable with the most significant being low grade prostate cancer where the removal of the need for treatment massively widens the scope for a successful claim.
"Most low-grade tumours are left untreated due to the unwelcome side effects of treatment."
Mr Lakey anticipates the change could increase payments by up to 140 per cent, compared with insurers insisting on treatment.
He added: "2018 has been an especially hectic year for critical illness changes and these are amongst the most beneficial to consumers.
"Royal London's motivation has been to increase the quality and coverage of cancer and heart conditions as these are the two most likely reasons for claiming."
rachel.addison@ft.com
