"IP supports people during an incredibly difficult time, and we’re pleased to be able to update our product in this way and expand access to our cover."
- Justin Taurog, Managing Director at Vitality Life
From today, Vitality has expanded its range of deferral periods for a further 280 occupations, including manual operations and skilled trades such as plumbers, mechanics, and warehouse workers. This change will see even more individuals become eligible for shorter one and two-month deferred periods with its Income Protection (IP) product.
Furthermore, the provider has extended the maximum retirement age to 70 for 22 occupations, including teachers, nurses, and case workers. This has been changed to reflect the different ways people are working, often retiring much later in life.
349 manual roles and skilled trade occupations have been moved to an ‘Own Occupation’ definition, replacing their previously used ‘Special Definition’. Therefore, these occupations will now be assessed on an own occupation basis for the entirety of their claim.
These enhancements build on changes made in 2023, in recognition of “an ever-changing world, powered by consumers, putting them in control of their premiums, rewarding them for being healthy and protecting them when they’re not.” Notably, Vitality added Recovery Benefit which provides services to help policyholders return to work such as priority physiotherapy for as long as required, online and/or in-person therapies (including Cognitive behavioural therapy), and cancer treatment support programmes.
“IP supports people during an incredibly difficult time, and we’re pleased to be able to update our product in this way and expand access to our cover. Vitality has a core purpose to make people healthier and to enhance and protect lives,” explained Justin Taurog, Managing Director at Vitality Life.
“Today’s announcement is the latest in the evolution of our IP product, and when combined with our unique access to our UK-wide network of physiotherapists and mental health support that help people get back to work as part of their cover, and the Vitality Programme, we can both protect our members and support them to live a healthier life for even longer,” he concluded.
