Here is the top ten in COVER magazine's countdown of the most read protection, healthcare and employee benefits stories during 2015.
1) Talking dog for Vitality ad campaign
By far the most popular story of 2015 (in terms of readers) was the fact that a talking sausage- dog named Stanley was the star of Vitality's advertising campaigns.
2) Insurer medical record requests break data protection laws
GPs providing full patient medical records at the request of insurance firms risk breaking data protection laws, an investigation by the Information Commissioner Office warned, leading to increased scrutiny and dialogue about this issue.
3) Simplyhealth sells PMI business to AXA PPP
In a huge development for the private medical insurance market, Simplyhealth its private medical insurance (PMI) business and its administration to former rival AXA PPP healthcare
4) Friends Life launches global healthcare as protection add-on
In March, Friends Life launched a well-received policy add-on which meant that policyholders could opt to go abroad for serious illness treatment.
5) High court redresses fraudulent income protection claim
In a landmark ruling, a fraudster was made to repay £19k to Cirencester Friendly after a tug of war involving the FOS.
6 CIExpert: Aviva brings CI policy into line with 'market leaders'
In April, Aviva was the latest insurer to upgrade a CI policy, making its offering a serious contender to the most comprehensive policies in the market.
7 Summer Budget 2015: IPT to rise to 9.5%
In a shock move, the chancellor dramatically increased the rate of Insurance Premium Tax, which would be bad news for private medical premiums.
8 UnderwriteMe launches to 'address the protection famine'
At an event in London, the pioneering underwriting tech firm announced it was up and running with further insurers and adviser firms on board.
9 Aviva introduces virtual health service
The health insurer introduced online services such as Skype and phone GP appointments and text health questions.
10 Cigna to enter life insurance market
Known for being a healthcare player, Cigna decided to launch life insurance with affinity partners last January.
Further reading
The top 20 stories in 2015 (numbers 11-20)
