Income Protection

Iain Duncan Smith, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, has vowed to press ahead with the previous Labour government's plan to review the work capability of all 2.5 million people claiming incapacity benefit.

Bupa has expanded its individual income protection (IP) offering.

Cirencester friendly increased its net earned premiums by 11.2% to £11.4m last year.

Private medical insurance (PMI) complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) increased by 27% last year.

LV= has added guaranteed insurability options, back to work support and career break options to its Income Protection (IP) offering.

Aegon has extended its tele-claims service to income protection, waiver of premium and total and permanent disability products.

Pioneer has hit out at providers who "change the goalposts" mid-claim while also joining the chorus of insurers urging all income protection (IP) claims approval rates to be published.

Aegon has released a new protection claims guide with the aim of reducing non-disclosure and helping advisers manage their clients' expectations.

Advisers are missing out on the opportunities to sell income protection (IP) presented by the new fit note and Welfare Reform Act, research suggests.

Aegon has begun a campaign to highlight the importance of the adviser market in the face of stiff competition from internet sales.