Service

In the first of a planned series of protection policy improvements, Ageas Protect has extended its existing partnership with Best Doctors and now gives all new customers access to expert medical opinions as soon as their policy goes on-risk.

A study by mutual Benenden Healthcare Society found only 41% of those questioned believe the NHS will be there for them in 10 years' time.

Friends Life has launched a microsite connecting advisers to information on Protect+ service Best Doctors.

A short-term income protection channel has been launched by MoneySupermarket.com.

The Gold Standard Awards 2012 are now open for entries.

The Department of Health's information strategy has set a ten-year framework to improve information access for the NHS, public health and social care.

Capita has acquired Medicals Direct for £13.2m on a cash free-debt free basis, and a deferred consideration, linked to profit performance, of up to £2m.

Although efficient claims management remains a key driver for customer satisfaction, less than one-fifth of insurers are investing in technologies to improve their customer interaction.

Seventy four charities are to receive a share of more than £6.8m of Government money to develop new approaches to health and wellbeing, Care Services Minister Paul Burstow has announced.

Tom Baigrie, managing director at protection specialists, Lifesearch, has unveiled its Protection Sellers Code of Conduct.