Gender-specific contracts will "not exist" with Aegon if terms, start date and completed direct debit mandate have not been agreed by 20 December.

Simple products, commission removal on protection and universal applications were on the agenda yesterday in a Cover Forum panel debate.

The gender directive and massive untapped corporates are two key reasons for advisers to be cheerful for 2013, LV= said at the Cover Forum yesterday.

Gender-targeted products will emerge once gender-neutral and I-E tax price changes have settled down, a Cover Forum panel debate said.

Potential expats need to realise that relocation will mean getting to grips with foreign processes despite exciting lifestyle changes, Jelf Employee Benefits has warned.

International expatriate insurance provider William Russell has improved its out-patient claims procedure in Hong Kong.

Lack of private medical cover growth has spurred insurers to look for cost-efficiencies from hospitals and consultants, Laing and Buisson has reported.

Ageas' underwriting division has been awarded chartered status by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

Establishing a clear income replacement proposition in time for February's final Review of Simple Financial Products could be "unlikely", Swiss Re has said.

A UK cash plan provider has reported a five-fold rise in the number of fraudulent claims since 2009.