Widespread errors in government and financial sector estimates of life expectancy could cost billions, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned.

Aviva group chief executive Andrew Moss has allegedly revealed that the firm may consider offers worth around £1bn for its US life assurance business, according to reports in the FT.

Group protection specialist Unum has launched an application - ‘The Perkulator' - which enables people to calculate how much their benefits package is worth, based on simple information they provide.

Medicash has launched a new personal health plan, Medicash Wellbeing offering benefits for customers and their families from only £6.50 per month.

Kevin Carr gives his verdicts on five key developments in the industry this month.

The Government has announced £180m of grant funding for small and medium sized (SME) firms and academics to develop health breakthroughs.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Alzheimer's Disease International have reported on dementia onset worldwide, urging Governments to invest in long term care provision.

Global reinsurer capital was down by 3% to $455bn (£286bn) last year, according to the Aon Benfield Aggregate analytics report, but the sector has been described as remaining strong.

Over a third (36%) of employers are still to take action after the removal of the Earnings Cap along with other pre A-Day rules in April 2011, with a further 30% still undecided on what course of action to take.

Macmillan Cancer Support has highlighted rising fuel poverty among cancer sufferers and called for Government support.