The enhancements include a Cancer Relapse Benefit, which means Vitality will pay out an extra 50% of the sum assured on the recurrence of cancer -either a relapse of the original cancer at the same or lower severity or a new primary cancer - after a one year period of remission.
Customers will also now be able to claim for multiple heart attacks and strokes at the same or lower severity as long as the subsequent episode occurs at least 30 days after the first event. Currently the policy pays out for multiple heart attacks and strokes that are new or more severe events, so the new enhancement means more customers will be able to claim.
VitalityLife has introduced cover for two new conditions: borderline ovarian cancer and permanent defibrillator insertion due to cardiac arrest. It has also enhanced definitions for three other conditions: primary pulmonary hypertension, multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease. Together with the above enhancements, it means members are now up to three times more likely to receive a payout from Serious Illness Cover over a typical critical illness cover policy.
Emma Thomson, LifeSearch Life Office Relationship Director, said:
“The improvements to VitalityLife’s Serious Illness Cover are good news for customers who suffer any relapse or recurrence of three of the main reasons for a claim, namely heart attack, cancer or stroke. They are welcome enhancements that should mean more customers can claim and receive a pay out to help them during a tough time in their life.”
Deepak Jobanputra, VitalityLife Deputy CEO, said:
“Our Serious Illness Cover product covers customers for nearly four times as many conditions as a standard Critical Illness product, so we already pay out in many more scenarios than other insurers. However, we want to make sure as many people as possible can claim, which is why we have enhanced our product further.
“Our Serious Illness Cover product has a 5-star Defaqto rating and has the unique combination of claims being based on the severity of an illness alongside our Vitality healthy living programme, which means clients can access benefits and engage with Vitality even if they never need to claim on their policy.”
