Aviva has reviewed its occupational classes, resulting in 95% of new clients being offered own occupation for income protection (IP) it has also moved its non-medical limits.
The move, which applies to new business only, is part of the company's goal to move to 100% own occupation.
Jon Parker, chief medical underwriter, Aviva, UK Health, said "Previously we managed around 80% own occupation. Aviva has followed reinsurer guidelines over the years but we decided to rigorously challenge some of the suppositions."
"We are looking to cover as many as possible under own occupation, there is a small minority who we have not done this for yet, but we are still offering cover for them."
A reduction in class has been given to 221 occupations, as a result of the review. Additionally, a further 21 occupational classes that had previously been declined are now covered, including roofers, tilers and scaffolders.
The changes will lead to lower premiums and an increase in the breadth of cover, with the definition of incapacity less strict than it has been to date.
Aviva has also raised many of the non-medical limits on its Income Protection Solutions cover. Applicants across all age ranges will receive a higher level of automatic cover without the need for a nurse screening examination or full medical examination, regardless of disclosure.
Parker commented: "We have moved these quite substantially. Nurse screenings, for those up to 40, which happened at £2,000 benefit per month are now triggered at £3,000 per month. The 40 to 50s used to see medicals around the £1,200 mark and now that is £2,000."
The move complements last year's increase of non-medical limits for Aviva's life and critical illness cover and will improve processing and claim time for many people.
Additionally, there is no longer a requirement for automatic financial evidence, which has traditionally been required for high levels of income protection cover.
