The NHS faces a crisis of care for older people, is not caring for the elderly as well it should, and the situation is worsening, NHS employers have heard.
Families are focusing on protection, even as they cut back on non-essentials, Aviva has found.
Half of insurers are now offering some form of HIV Life Assurance, up from 35% last year, according to medical financial advisers Unusual Risks.
A marked change in consumer awareness is causing consumers to take an "austere" self-assessment of protection needs, Swiss Re has said.
The Permanent Health Company (PHC) has sought to reassure advisers' and quell concerns that its new five year underwriting deal with Axa PPP will eventually result in a takeover.
Westfield Health has reported sales growth of 29% increasing market share to 13.5%, in its annual results for 2010/11.
IFAs have claimed providers of individual protection products consistently fail to meet their expectations in dealing with existing business, Defaqto said.
Pruprotect has introduced a premium saver option for its protection products that could see customers earning more than their first year's premiums back over five years.
PruHealth has expanded its Vitality programme to include group scheme members and Standard Life Healthcare customers.
Axa PPP has taken over all underwriting of Permanent Health Company's private medical insurance (PMI) and dental products.