As private medical insurers announce high-profile consolidations, Fiona Murphy looks at whether this restricts choice or offers a better deal for advisers and consumers.

Cash plan provider Health Shield has revealed it paid 446,268 claims in 2014 representing 97.4% of all claims made during the year.

Network Openwork has teamed up with CIExpert to promote the use of its knowledgebase to help members boost their protection business.

Old Mutual Wealth has confirmed its head of protection Ian Jefferies is to leave the insurer.

AXA PPP healthcare has settled a claim with a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon following an investigation into mis-billing, reclaiming over £100,000.

Bupa has launched a nationwide physiotherapy network ensuring that customers will only be treated by senior qualified therapists who practise according to standards set by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Ellipse are to publish a series of Key Service Indicators (KSIs) reporting the insurer's rolling 12 month performance to the end of each quarter in a bid to set standards and drive adviser productivity.

Direct Life is looking to take on three new apprentices to start work in July following the success of its apprenticeship programme.

My Earnings Insurance, the pure income protection product provided by Cirencester Friendly Society, has been added to mortgage network First Complete's panel.

The average life insurance payout in the UK is £51,500 which would only cover 62% of the average outstanding mortgage (£83,000), according to research from Sunlife.