Cancer
Motor Neurone Disease
Coronary Artery Bypass
Heart Attack
Paralysis of Limbs
Major Organ Transplant
Third Degree BurnsKidney Failure
Loss of Speech
Multiple Sclerosis
Stroke
Aorta Graft Surgery
Terminal Illness
Benign Brain Tumour
Blindness
Coma
Deafness
Heart Valve Replacement
Loss of Hands or Feet
Parkinson’s Disease
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Alzheimer’s Disease
Severe Lung Disease
Bacterial Meningitis
Pre-senile Dementia
CJD Major Head Trauma
Liver Failure
Hodgkins Disease
Traumatic Head Injury
Primary Pulmonary Hyper.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Cardiomyopathy
Open Heart Surgery
Aplastic Anaemia
Angioplasty
Diabetes
Loss of Independence
HIV Infection
Balloon ValvuloplastyEncephalitis
Mastectomy
Systemic Lupus
Sponsored by
Critical Illness Guide
March 2010
About Defaqto
Defaqto is an independent financial research company specialising in rating, comparing and analysing financial products. Since 1994, Defaqto has built the largest, whole of market, financial product database and become one of the leading providers of financial product data in the UK. We now cover over 30,000 products across banking, life, pensions, investments and general insurance.
Our experts validate and analyse the data to provide insight and consultancy to all layers of the financial services sector including IFAs, mortgage and general insurance brokers, providers, web aggregators and the public sector. Our products and services include the following. For further information please contact us on 01844 295 454.
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An extensive, independent, financial product analysis and comparison database available in the UK. The database contains feature, rate and fees information on more than 30,000 products from nearly 2,000 providers. Our customers include leading insurance and assurance companies, banks and building societies and investment organisations.
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Our Star Ratings reflect the quality of a financial product and help to identify the range of features and benefits in each one. We review and assess every financial product across various categories and award a Star Rating from 1 to 5. The ratings are aimed at helping consumers and advisers decide which product suits their specific needs. Providers also use the ratings to ensure they offer products to meet differing consumer demands.
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Our services are critically backed by our unrivalled market data and underpinned by our consultants’ in-depth market knowledge and invaluable management information.
Defaqto Group owns and operates Defaqto Limited and Defaqto Media Limited. Defaqto Group is backed by FF&P Private Equity Limited, the private equity division of Fleming Family & Partners, and Acuity Capital Management Ltd.
Guide author
Ben Heffer, Insight Analyst - life and protection
Ben Heffer graduated from Leeds University in 1988 and, after a spell in the Civil Service, worked for Bradford & Bingley Building Society and Countrywide Independent Advisers before joining Defaqto at its inception in April 1994.
With 20 years’ experience in financial services, Ben has worked primarily in pensions and investment research. In 2008, he became a member of the Defaqto Insight Team, with responsibility for the measurement of service standards in protection, pensions and investments.
Contents
About Defaqto
1
Guide author
2
1. Executive Summary
6
2. Market Landscape
8
2.1 Economic background ...82.2 The protection gap...9
2.3 Indications for the protection market...9
2.4 ABI Statement of Best Practice ...10
3. Product Review
12
3.1 Delivering critical illness and protection ...123.2 Shape of the critical illness market ...12
3.2.1 Accelerated critical illness...13
3.2.2 Increasing and decreasing cover ...13
3.2.3 Endowment and whole of life ...13
3.2.4 Family income benefit...13
3.2.5 Cover options ...13
3.2.6 Guaranteed insurability options ...13
3.2.7 IFA products ...13
3.3 Condition inflation ...14
3.3.1 Incidence, prevalence and claims...15
3.4 ABI defined critical illnesses ...15
3.4.1 Alzheimer’s disease...15
3.4.2 Aorta graft surgery ...16
3.4.3 Benign brain tumour ...16
3.4.4 Blindness ...16
3.4.5 Cancer ...16
3.4.6 Coma ...17
3.4.7 Coronary artery by-pass grafts ...17
3.4.8 Deafness ...17
3.4.9 Heart attack ...18
3.4.10 Heart valve replacement or repair...18
3.4.11 HIV infection ...18
3.4.12 Kidney failure ...19
3.4.13 Loss of speech...19
3.4.14 Loss of hands or feet ...19
3.4.15 Major organ transplant...20
3.4.16 Motor Neurone disease ...20
3.4.17 Multiple Sclerosis...21
3.4.18 Paralysis of limbs...21
3.4.19 Parkinson’s disease...21
3.4.20 Stroke ...21
3.4.22 Third degree burns ...22
3.4.23 Traumatic head injury ...22
3.5 Other critical conditions ...23
3.5.1 Angioplasty ...23 3.5.2 Aplastic anaemia ...23 3.5.3 Bacterial meningitis...23 3.5.4 Balloon valvuloplasty ...24 3.5.5 Cardiomyopathy...24 3.5.6 Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (CJD) ...24 3.5.7 Diabetes ...24
3.5.8 Emphysema and severe lung disease ...25
3.5.9 Encephalitis ...25
3.5.10 Liver failure ...25
3.5.11 Loss of independent existence ...26
3.5.12 Mastectomy ...26
3.5.13 Open heart surgery...26
3.5.14 Pre-senile dementia...27
3.5.15 Primary pulmonary hypertension ...27
3.5.16 Progressive supranuclear palsy...27
3.5.17 Pulmonary artery surgery ...27
3.5.18 Rheumatoid arthritis...27
3.5.19 Systemic lupus erythematosus ...28
3.5.20 Total and permanent disability ...28
3.5.21 Children’s cover ...28
4. Restoring Confidence
29
4.1 ABI guidance on non-disclosure ...294.2 Severity-based critical illness...30
4.3 Engagement ...31
4.4 The future ...31
Tables
Table 1 – IFA critical illness products in the market... 14
Table 2 – Average number of critical illness offered on policies from 2005-2009 ... 14
Table 3 – Critical illness claims paid in 2008 and 2007 ... 29
Table 4 – Availability of severity-based covers ... 30
Charts
Chart 1 – Total new lending on dwellings ... 8Chart 2 – UK household income and expenditure ... 8
Chart 3 – Effect of the credit crunch on number of sales ... 9
Chart 4 – Effect of the credit crunch on the value of sales ... 10
Chart 5 – Regular new protection premiums ... 10
Chart 6 – IFAs in favour of removing TPD from CIC... 11
1. Executive Summary
_____________________________________________
The fall in gross mortgage lending as a result of the credit crunch is challenging for the critical illness market because as much as 50% of these sales are mortgage related. Despite this, advisers are optimistic about the prospects for protection in spite of the credit crunch, and sales are holding up due to increased sales efforts.
The close alignment of critical illness sales with the mortgage market has been a double edged sword. Packaging critical illness with life assurance has on the one hand resulted in more people having some critical illness cover, on the other hand the limited time available for advice and the lack of affordability at that time may have resulted in the sale of unsuitable products. Now is the time to divorce protection from mortgage sales and establish protection portfolios for clients based on all their protection needs, not just their mortgage cover.
There is a widening gap between household income and expenditure as people seek to economise, which may mean they have more disposable income to spend on protection products. However, we cannot rely on the current financial situation to drive customers to buy protection. There remains the need for quality protection advice as it is reported that as many as 45% of people have no protection cover at all.
The current financial situation may help to focus clients’ minds on their financial vulnerability and render them open to the protection message. For the adviser, protection is a good business fallback in ‘bear markets’ when pension and investment sales are more difficult to achieve.
Changes to critical illness policies proposed in the next Statement of Best Practice from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), will present challenges for advisers, but will also bring clarity to the product.
The critical illness market remains highly differentiated, with major providers offering a variety of plans to cater for different market segments. These range from general individual products to products geared primarily towards mortgage cover and the more specialised business protection market. There are also many products available direct to consumers and through direct writers, so competition is strong. It goes without saying that advisers must differentiate themselves by offering quality advice and an ongoing service.
The phenomenon known as ‘condition inflation’ – where providers offer more and more critical illness covers – has perpetuated the myth that the greater the number of illnesses covered the better the policy must be. In reality, many conditions offered are quite rare or need to be very severe in order to trigger a claim. The quality products are those likely to pay out more claims, although it must be remembered that traditional critical illness cover is a safety net to provide peace of mind if the very worst happens.
Insurers are moving away from the number of illnesses covered towards improving the definitions of the important covers. This report considers the value each critical illness potentially adds to a policy. This is important as educating both advisers and consumers will help advisers market the core critical illness product with confidence.
Previous research has shown that consumers mistrust the insurance industry, and research undertaken by Defaqto with IFAs in 2008 showed that advisers shared some of these misgivings. But there is every reason for optimism and renewed trust. The ABI guidance on non-disclosure has been tremendously successful in reducing declined claims and, despite some high profile legacy complaints; the positive message is beginning to filter through.
Published claims statistics for critical illness make good reading and advisers should use these with their clients. Coupled with the fact that industry pays out £5.9m every day, there is a really good story to tell.
Severity-based cover and health and wellbeing services are just two innovations in the critical illness market that help bring insurance alive for consumers and allow advisers to engage with them easier. Those advisers willing to move away from traditional products will find these a highly marketable proposition.
There is much to be positive about and everything to be gained by putting more marketing effort into protection generally and critical illness specifically. Advisers have an important role to play in helping to close the protection gap.
2. Market Landscape
_______________________________The challenges presented by the current financial situation, legislation and customer need are serious considerations for advisers providing critical illness recommendations in the current market. In this section we will consider the economic background, the call to action sounded by the protection gap and the indications for the protection market. Finally, will we assess the current changes proposed to critical illness in the ABI’s Statement of Best Practice.
2.1 Economic background
The UK economy has now come out of recession, but economic recovery looks to be slow. So, how does the downturn affect protection and critical illness in particular?
There are two factors that have the potential to adversely affect protection business; the reduced opportunity for mortgage-related sales and the lack of disposable income with which to purchase protection policies.
Gross lending Jan 09 - Jan 10
8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 16,000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan
T o ta l gros s l e ndi n g £ m
Chart 1 – Total new lending on dwellings
Source: CML
Gross mortgage lending rose from £11.5m in January 2009 to £14m in July but has again fallen to just £9.1m. 1 These levels are way below the £18.5m high achieved in October 2008.
1 Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML)
These are worrying statistics because, as much as 50% of all critical illness sales are mortgage-related.2
However, the same report also states that whereas mortgage related critical illness sales fell by 19.5%, total critical illness sales fell by only 4.7%, demonstrating that it is holding up fairly well.
We believe that because protection is sold not bought, it is the case that advisers have simply had to work harder for these sales.
Household income and expenditure
205,000 215,000 225,000 235,000 245,000 255,000 2007 2 2007 3 2007 4 2008 1 2008 2 2008 3 2008 4 2009 1 2009 2 2009 3 £ millio n
Total resources Individual expenditure
Chart 2 – UK household income and expenditure
Source: Office for National Statistics
Recent quarterly figures3 show that household income and individual consumption expenditure have generally been rising steadily. In Q3 and Q4 of 2007 the gap narrowed and in Q1 of 2008 income dipped below expenditure by 1.2%. In the first half of 2009, however, the gap has widened. It seems that people anxious about the economic forecast have reduced their expenditure against future potential hardship.
Any widening in the gap between income and expenditure is a good sign for critical illness sales but only if the consumer perceives the value of the cover. This presents an opportunity for those companies delivering quality protection advice.
2
SwissRe reports in Term & Health Watch 2009
3
2.2 The protection gap
Unfortunately large numbers of people have no clear plan for coping financially if they were incapacitated or diagnosed with a critical illness.
In research carried out in 20094, 45% of the population had not purchased any type of protection cover and. – despite being aware of impending financial needs such as funeral costs – children’s education and long term care, 72% were saving less than £100 per month and 35% were saving nothing at all. Significantly, only a third of people had their mortgages covered.
2.3 Indications for the protection market
The economic downturn, however, may have a silver lining and some beneficial consequences for the protection market.
Firstly, for consumers, doubts over job security may focus their minds on how they would cope if they were unable to work for an extended period for whatever reason, not just redundancy.
Secondly, for advisers who find it difficult to persuade clients to invest in uncertain markets, protection business presents a viable alternative income stream. Advisers revisiting client files may identify opportunities for further business and their clients, who under better market conditions may have remained insurance poor, will have their needs met.
Generally, and possibly most significantly, there may be a longer term advantage in moving protection away from mortgage sales. Arranging cover on the back of a mortgage may be easy from the perspective of there being an obvious, tangible need for the cover, but at that time clients typically will not be able to afford the level or range of cover they need. First time buyers, for example, who are cash strapped to find a deposit and furnish their
4
Axa Insurance
new home, may not be able to afford critical illness as well as life cover and the advice will be compromised. Indeed, figures for 2007 show that only a very small proportion of new mortgages were sold with any protection at all. Skilled advisers, who are committed to protection, can approach clients at more appropriate times to ensure that their client’s protection portfolio meets their needs. This will achieve a better served client base and a more profitable business for the advisers and insurers.
The credit crunch and the number of sales
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% % of t o ta l re s p ons e s Don't know 3% 5% 6% 8% 7% Increased 12% 6% 16% 16% 13% Unchanged 47% 44% 44% 37% 27% Declined 38% 45% 35% 39% 53% Life Assurance Critical Illness Cover Income Protection Pension business Investment business
Chart 3 – Effect of the credit crunch on number of sales
Source: Defaqto, Protection Service Report 2009
In research undertaken by Defaqto in March 2009, 59% of IFAs said that the number of sales of life assurance had been unaffected or had even increased despite the credit crunch. Encouragingly, 50% said that the number of critical illness sales had not been adversely affected (see
chart 3). The corresponding figures for pension and
investment business were 53% and 40% respectively. This demonstrates that protection is holding up, despite the economic pressures, better than other classes of business.
The credit crunch and the values of sales 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% % o f to ta l r e sp o n s es Don't know 4% 5% 6% 9% 8% Increased 13% 7% 16% 17% 13% Unchanged 48% 45% 45% 36% 27% Declined 36% 43% 33% 38% 52% Life Assurance Critical Illness Cover Income Protection Pension business Investment business
Chart 4 – Effect of the credit crunch on the value of sales
Source: Defaqto, Protection Service Report 2009
The figures for the value of protection sales are even more positive as 52% of advisers believed that the value of critical illness sales was not adversely affected by the credit crunch (see chart 4).
Protection sales 2008/09 0 50 100 150 200 250 N e w r e g u la r p re m iu ms £ m Individual 208 217 215 226 200 229 215 225 Group 69 73 88 68 60 66 74 76 Q4 2007 Q1 2008 Q2 2008 Q3 2008 Q4 2008 Q1 2009 Q2 2009 Q3 2009
Chart 5 – Regular new protection premiums
Source: ABI
The optimism shown by advisers in our research has been born out in the new business figures published by the ABI (see chart 5). While individual protection sales decreased over the year to Q4 2008 by 3.4% and group business by a rather more significant 12.9%, since then sales have returned to their previous year’s levels.
2.4 ABI Statement of Best Practice
The current Statement of Best Practice for critical illness cover, which provides standard definitions for 23 of the most common critical conditions and model wordings for nine exclusions, has done much to introduce consistency and clarity to the critical illness market. However,
research carried out by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in connection with its review of the Insurance Conduct of Business Rules (ICOB), reveals that 46% of critical illness customers believed they were covered for all types and severity of cancer; and there is concern about the level of understanding around occupation-based total and permanent disability (TPD).
In June 2009, the ABI issued a consultation paper for the next Statement of Best Practice for critical illness cover focussing on occupation-based TPD. Because as much as 55% of TPD claims are declined, it was proposed that occupation-based TPD in critical illness plans should be replaced with a series of new critical illness definitions relating to the more common reasons for TPD claims.
The consultation finished in September 2009 and as a result of the feedback, the ABI has modified its plans and now have agreed to retain TPD. The ABI will now propose a set of clear and easy to understand standard definitions for TPD and produce a standard set of educational material for insurance companies and advisers to use.
Whether a disability benefit should be included in critical illness policies at all is the subject of debate. It is seen by many as a means of ‘mopping up’ those claims that might not fit into any of the other definitions. It has been the cause of much confusion to advisers and policyholders and the ABI are to be commended for attempting to address this issue, even if the first proposed remedy did not curry favour with the industry at large.
At the time of the consultation, we conducted research among 500 IFAs and found that over half were in favour of replacing TPD with a series of new critical illness definitions (see chart 6). Almost a quarter were undecided and a fifth was against it.
Chart 6 – IFAs in favour of removing TPD from CIC
Source: Defaqto, Protection Service Report 2009
While the question is now somewhat academic, judging by the verbatim comment given by the respondents, those in favour were so minded because they believed that the proposed changes would make it clearer and easier for clients to understand. No doubt this will still hold true for the new arrangements.
A number of respondents expressed the view that they would be in favour provided it was universally adopted. Again this points to uniformity and clarity; and standard ABI definitions for TPD that members of the ABI have to use will help to address this issue.
Interestingly, those IFAs that were against the proposal appeared to believe that nothing was wrong with the current situation and that it worked well: “If it ain’t broke
don't fix it. If it’s worked this far why change?” However,
this view is not supported by the declined claim rate of 55%. Others are suspicious of the motives, or at least the unintended consequences, for example: “I think we would be better off remaining with the current situation dealing with the current disability. I always think when insurance companies change the way they work they want to make it more difficult to claim.”
Indeed, a number of comments suggested a lack of trust in the insurers to pay valid claims. Changing this perception is a major challenge for insurers distributing their policies through IFAs as it is vital that advisers are good advocates for life and protection products.
We found that all stand alone critical illness policies incorporate TPD either automatically or as an option. The majority of life policies with accelerated critical illness benefit offer TPD. Further, we calculate that on average over 3% of successful claims under a critical illness policy are TPD claims; even 9% in the case of one provider.
Clearly, TPD is serving a useful purpose but confusion abounds and technically it remains the responsibility of advisers to explain clearly to clients what they are covered for and the extent of that cover. TPD has in the past been sold as a ‘catch all’ and this has compounded the confusion. Anything which improves clarity and helps the advisers fulfil their obligations to their clients is to be applauded.
Are you in favour of replacing TPD by a series of new critical illness definitions?
58% 19%
22%
3. Product review
_____________________________________________
In this section we will set out the current critical illness solutions that are available in the market and principal product features and covers offered.
3.1 Delivering critical illness and
protection
The delivery of protection solutions is an important consideration. There are broadly two models in the protection market; individual price driven products and the menu propositions.
Typically, a menu plan incorporates three or more distinct cover options within one plan. These are usually life cover, critical illness cover and income protection insurance. There are significant time-saving advantages for the adviser in only having to deal with one insurer. The slicker administration is associated with using a menu plan; as opposed to sourcing each cover with different insurers, which is beneficial to the adviser and the client. The client benefits from only having to complete one application form for all their covers as well as paying only one policy fee.
Menu plans are a popular and a welcome innovation in the life and protection market having transformed the way that protection business is written. Used properly, by the skilled adviser, menu plans can increase the number and value of sales and provide a better range of cover for the client, including critical illness cover.
Having ascertained budget, the adviser can quote for life assurance, critical illness and income protection
insurance under a menu plan. If the client wants to reduce the cost, the scaling back some of the benefits can be discussed but at least the client will have all three essential covers. This ‘skiing downhill’ approach to protection advice using a menu plan proposition is an excellent way to deliver cover to those who need it. The danger with quoting for cover under separate plans
being that one cover may be discounted in favour of the others.
All the menu propositions are based on term assurance for the life cover element except Sun Life Financial of Canada (formerly Lincoln), whose Financial Foundations
plan is based on whole of life assurance. This is an innovative departure from the norm with whole of life having distinct financial planning advantages, especially for estate planning.
Most plans allow the term assurance to be set up on a level or decreasing basis with accelerated critical illness cover. Family income benefit is less commonly offered; this is a pity since many commentators in the protection industry favour the development of propositions that provide the appropriate type of benefit depending upon the circumstances of need. Family income benefit pays a regular income rather than a lump sum and this is more suitable for replacing the income of the deceased partner.
In 2008, Fortis launched their Real Life Cover. This mass market product is not a menu proposition but provides life assurance, elements of critical illness and income protection and other covers within one package. Real life cover and menu propositions are currently the nearest thing we have to that long awaited sinecure. This is where the plan will provide relevant benefits depending on the need at claim whether they are lump sum or income, as appropriate.
3.2 Shape of the critical illness market
Critical illness insurance has come a long way since its origins in South Africa as a means to pay for major medical procedures and allow terminally ill people to spend their remaining time with their loved ones. In the UK it has assumed the persona of a mortgage
repayment vehicle to redress financial hardship resulting from serious illness.
It is widely available in the market and is offered as a standalone benefit (either on a term or whole of life basis) or most commonly as an accelerated benefit on term assurance plans.
3.2.1 Accelerated critical illness
There are 75 level term assurance products on the market offered by 44 different providers. Some of these providers white-label the products of other insurers, mainly Legal & General, Aviva and Friends Provident. Of these, 32 of these life products include an accelerated critical illness rider benefit either automatically included or available as an option. A further 22 plans are part of a menu proposition and give access to critical illness cover and other benefits such as income protection.
3.2.2 Increasing and decreasing cover
Of the plans, 63 also have a decreasing sum assured version that is designed to cover repayment mortgages. A smaller proportion, just 29, allows the sum assured to increase either in line with an index or a fixed
percentage.
3.2.3 Endowment and whole of life
Since the mis-selling scandals of the 1990s,
endowments and whole of life plans have declined in popularity. There are now very few endowments plans and what remains are restricted to small societies and are primarily designed for savings rather than life assurance purposes. We know of no critical illness endowment plans.
Whole of life plans are more widely available. There are 15 unit linked whole of life products from nine providers, six of which have a critical illness option. Additionally, there are nine stand alone whole of life critical illness products from seven providers.
3.2.4 Family income benefit
There are 14 family income benefit plans from just 10 providers; 10 of which include an accelerated critical
illness benefit. Family income benefit is a largely unsold insurance and more use could be made of it. Where life assurance is written to cover a debt such as a mortgage, a lump sum benefit is clearly appropriate, if life
assurance is written to replace the deceased or disabled person’s contribution to the household, a regular income is far more appropriate.
3.2.5 Cover options
Other options to increase the extent of the cover exist. Just 12 of the products that incorporate critical illness cover have a life buy-back option, where following a critical illness claim the policyholder can reinstate their life cover subject to certain conditions and the payment of a premium. It is difficult to envisage a situation where the need for life assurance ceases completely for survivors of a critical illness and highlights the downside of accelerated critical illness. This is essential and is only treating customers fairly.
3.2.6 Guaranteed insurability options
Most insurers allow the sum assured and term of the policy to be increased; subject to additional underwriting. Additionally, just under half of policies incorporate guaranteed insurability options (GIO). Life changing events like marriage, the birth of a child or getting a promotion at work may increase the level of cover required. GIOs allow cover to be increased subject to certain limits without further medical underwriting. Again, these are important treating customers fairly options and providers are to be commended for offering them. Advisers must investigate increasing cover under a GIO on an existing policy before re-broking the policy.
3.2.7 IFA products
In terms of the products available to IFAs, we found that accelerated term products are offered by 15 different providers (see table 1) and stand alone products by 14 different providers; five offer stand alone critical illness on a whole of life basis.
Clearly, critical illness is widely available outside the IFA channel and the advisers now face intense competition from direct writers and internet sellers. Unless IFAs can offer more in terms of the whole advice process, rather than simply making a policy sale, customers may well shop around and purchase the cover more cheaply elsewhere.
IFA Critical Illness Products Provider Stand Alone Term Whole of Life Term Ass & CIC
Aegon Scottish Equitable
9
menu Aviva optional Axa9
9
menu Bright Grey9
menu Bupa9
included Fortis Life9
menu Friends Provident9
optional Legal & General9
menu Sun Life Financial of Canada9
LV=
9
menu Progress from Royal Liver menu PruProtect9
9
menu Pulse optional Scottish Provident9
9
menu Skandia9
9
optional Unum9
Zurich Assurance
9
menuTable 1 – IFA Critical illness products in the market
Source: Defaqto
3.3 Condition inflation
The phenomenon know as ‘condition inflation’ has resulted in increasing numbers of critical illnesses being added to policies over and above those responsible for the majority of claims.
Quite apart from the fact that in some cases it will have been more appropriate to recommend income protection instead of, or in conjunction with life assurance, the
pressure on advisers to pick the policy with the largest number of critical illnesses regardless of their relative worth may have resulted in poor value for money.
There are 23 critical conditions defined by the ABI’s current Statement of Best Practice. A further 21 other illnesses and procedures are offered by the products on the market.
Up to January 2005, the average number of critical conditions increased steadily to around 27. This was stable for two years but, over the last 11 months, we have seen a further increase (see table 2).
Condition Inflation
Year Average number of illnesses
2005 27
2006 26
2007 27
2008 30
2009 34
Table 2 – Average number of critical illness offered on policies from 2005-2009
Source: Defaqto
Comparing policies on the basis of the number of illnesses or procedures covered is a simple marketing message for advisers to employ with their clients. However, some advisers may be genuinely concerned about being sued by clients who subsequently contract diseases not covered in the policy recommended to them. Product managers find that increasing the number of illnesses covered is a clear (and cheap) way of differentiating their products. That being said, the value of the cover on a critical illness policy is not simply a function of the number of critical illnesses covered but moreover whether they are likely to give rise to claims.
The value of some critical illnesses is diminished in cases where the cover overlaps with other conditions, for example, severe lung disease and Emphysema, or Alzheimer’s and pre-senile Dementia; and where the
cover overlaps with TPD, for example, Rheumatoid arthritis.
Some conditions are rare, Encephalitis, for example has an incidence rate of just 0.15 per 10,000 and Aplastic anaemia and incidence rate of 0.02 per 10,000. Some definitions are framed such that few claims will be paid. Further, some definitions are modified by plan conditions such as the maximum age for cover or the general exclusions.
With this in mind we have recently changed the way it scores critical illness policies to differentiate on the basis of value of cover, not simply the number of conditions covered.
Insurers too are growing weary of condition inflation and we predict that in future product development will focus on key covers. We have already seen a shift in emphasis towards enhanced definitions (ABI+) for key covers, for example, from Aviva.
Support and education for advisers and consumers is essential in reversing the ‘conditions race’ and more information about prevalence of disease, potential incidence rates and claims experience will help advisers market core critical illness with confidence.
3.3.1 Incidence, prevalence and claims
When describing how common a particular disease is, the terms ‘incidence’ and ‘prevalence’ are frequently used. Unfortunately, people often mix these words up or use them incorrectly and some clarification may be helpful.
Here, when we use the term incidence, we mean the incidence rate, which is the rate at which a disease occurs in a population in a time period, for example, 0.1 in 10,000 per year. Prevalence means the prevalence proportion and gives a figure for the disease at a single point in time.
Both these terms give a clue as to how likely it is that people will be diagnosed with a particular illness; however, to what extent the incidence and prevalence translate into critical illness claims is also dependent upon other factors.
A high incidence rate does not necessarily mean that there will be a high number of claims, for the following reasons. Firstly, incidence rates for the insured population (people aged between 20 and 60, for example) are difficult to come by but will typically be lower for many conditions than the rates for the whole population. Secondly, in order to balance risk, insurers may apply specific age limits to filter out higher risk age groups. Thirdly, the definitions may be framed in such a way as to admit only the most severe of cases.
The following sections highlight the key issues relating to each critical illness covered and their potential value to the end consumer.
3.4 ABI defined critical illnesses
The 23 critical illnesses defined by the ABI are not an ‘approved’ list and do not represent a benchmark standard, they are simply those commonly offered conditions for which insurers are obliged to use model wordings.
3.4.1 Alzheimer’s disease
There are about 700,000 people with dementia in the UK5 and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia accounting for 62% of cases.
A steady growth in the number of cases over the next 25 years has been predicted and it is estimated that there will be 940,000 dementia cases by 2021 and 1.7 million by 2051.6
5
Dementia UK,: February 2007
6
The disease mainly affects those over the age of 65. The prevalence for those between 40 and 64 is just one in 1,400, after age 65 it is one in 100 and doubles with every five years.
The increasing incidence suggests that this is a valuable to cover to have. All providers offer Alzheimer’s disease cover except, HSBC, Pulse, and Windsor Life. However, seven providers apply an age limit which significantly reduces the value of the cover: Coventry, Forrester’s, and NatWest only cover up to age 60 and Aviva, NFU, St Andrews and Zurich apply a cap of 65.
3.4.2 Aorta graft surgery
The ABI definition is designed to cover surgery to repair a diseased portion of the aorta and specifically excludes surgery required as a result of trauma.
The majority of providers offer this cover and most of them cover surgery resulting both from disease and
trauma.
This extends to the scope of the cover to younger people, who are less likely to have disease of the aorta and more likely to be involved in road accidents, for example. But some question the value of this enhancement to the definition on the basis that in the event of trauma to the aorta, death is likely to occur before surgery can be undertaken.
We calculate that on average just 0.04% of critical illness claims are for aorta graft surgery.
3.4.3 Benign brain tumour
Benign brain tumours are non-invasive but can grow quite large creating pressure on the delicate brain tissue causing symptoms that need treatment. If they occur in a gland, they can cause the gland to produce excessive amounts of hormone, which can cause further problems.
The ABI definition is designed to cover permanent neurological deficit resulting from the presence of the
tumour but excludes problems resulting from angiomas and tumours in the pituitary gland.
All providers cover benign brain tumour except Pulse, Virgin and Windsor Life. Three providers, Fortis, Progress and Scottish Provident, waive the requirement for ‘permanent neurological deficit with persisting clinical symptoms’ if the benign brain tumour is surgically removed.
The cover is an important element of critical illness cover accounting for, on average, 2.04% of claims in 2008.
3.4.4 Blindness
The ABI model wording defines blindness as permanent and irreversible loss of sight. All except Pulse cover blindness and use the model wording.
According the NHS, 153,000 people were on the register of blind people in 2008, a slight increase of around 500 (0.3%) from 2006.
However, 64% of blind people are aged 75 or over and sudden bilateral loss of vision is rare. As most critical illness plans cease cover at 69, many policyholders suffering from blindness will not have a valid claim.
Interestingly, claims for blindness are quite high, on average 0.14% in 2008.
3.4.5 Cancer
Along with heart attack and stroke, cancer is one of the three conditions that must be covered for a policy to be classed as a critical illness policy.
Most providers use the ABI model wording, which excludes less advanced cases. Axa, Bupa, Fortis, Progress, PruProtect, Skandia and Unum offer severity-based definitions allowing claimants to receive a lower benefit for less severe cancers.
Cancer cover is the most important element of the policy and accounts for more than half of all critical illness claims (56.8% on average in 2008).
Despite this, and the clarity provided by the carefully framed model wording, it is probably the main cause of consumer complaints about critical illness insurance. People who get cancer believe they are entitled to receive a benefit not realising that the policy only covers advanced cases. Severity-based critical illness goes some way to addressing this problem, but the responsibility remains with insurers and advisers to communicate effectively the extent of cover being offered.
The prevalence of cancer increases with age and the majority of cases occur after age 69 when may critical illness policies cease cover.
3.4.6 Coma
With the exception of HSBC and Pulse, all providers cover coma. The model wording stipulates a state of unconsciousness requiring the use of life support systems for a continuous period of at least 96 hours. Bright Grey, Bupa, Legal & General, Nationwide, Progress and Skandia while requiring the use of life support systems do not stipulate a period of time. Fortis specifies 24-hours. Abbey, Aegon, PruProtect, Royal London and Scottish Provident do not require the use of life support at all.
Coma can result from an infection, a blow to the head or poisoning from drugs or alcohol. People under the influence of drugs or alcohol could also sustain a blow to the head resulting in coma. The model wording
specifically excludes ‘coma secondary to alcohol or drug abuse’. Aegon does not exclude coma secondary to alcohol abuse; LV= and Progress do not exclude coma secondary to alcohol or drug abuse.
3.4.7 Coronary artery by-pass grafts
The ABI model wording specifies surgery to correct narrowing or blockage of one or more coronary arteries requiring surgery to divide the breastbone (median sternotomy).
All providers cover coronary artery by-pass grafts. Fortis and Scottish Provident have enhanced definitions that do not specify the requirement for median sternotomy. This adds some value as it admits the use of key-hole techniques. However, procedures such as balloon angioplasty, which would be a way of repairing the arteries, are specifically excluded. PruProtect pays 10% of the benefit for procedures not requiring median sternotomy. Skandia pays 20% of the benefit for key-hole coronary artery surgery.
According to the NHS, 28,000 coronary artery by-pass grafts are performed in the UK each year. This is an important element of critical illness cover accounting for 1.9% of critical claims in 2008. However, 80% of those needing this operation are men over the age of 60. The age limit for cover on critical illness plans reduces the risk for the insurer by effectively excluding those most likely to claim.
3.4.8 Deafness
Deafness is covered by all providers except Pulse using the model wording. The model wording specifies permanent and irreversible loss of hearing to the extent that the loss is greater than 95 decibels across all frequencies.
It is estimated that there are 688,000 people with severe to profound deafness in the UK, of them 580,000 (84%) are over 60.7
As most cases are related to old age, deafness gives rise to an insignificant number of critical illness claims. However, due to the exposure of young people to loud
7
music, and the increased use of headphones, it is not unreasonable to expect higher rates of hearing damage in the future.
3.4.9 Heart attack
Heart attack has to be covered for the plan to be classed as critical illness cover. Therefore, all providers cover heart attack using the model wording or a more generous definition.
As evidence of the heart attack, the model wording requires there to be: ‘typical clinical symptoms; new characteristic electrocardiographic changes; and a characteristic rise in cardiac enzymes or troponins’. Nine providers, Aegon, Aviva, Fortis, Bright Grey, Bupa, Legal & General, Nationwide, Progress and Scottish Provident, do not specify the requirement for typical clinical symptoms.
There is much debate as to whether this really
represents a more generous position. Exponents argue that it permits those who have a ‘silent heart attack’ (i.e. no chest pain) to make a successful claim. However, the requirement for typical clinical symptoms was not added to the definition in order to exclude ‘silent heart attacks’ but rather to add clarity. It is difficult to envisage a situation where someone receiving a diagnosis of definite acute myocardial infarction would be declined.
Unfortunately 146,000 people suffer a heart attack each year. 8 Heart and circulatory disease is the UK’s biggest killer accounting for about 90,000 deaths in 2008, one every six minutes. This means that some 56,000 people survive a heart attack and could potentially benefit from critical illness insurance.
This cover is a very important part of critical illness insurance and accounts for the second highest number of claims – 11.2% in 2008.
8
British Heart Foundation
It is valuable to policyholders but represents significant risk to insurers and reinsurers. However, it is an area where the introduction of health and wellbeing services, which encourage healthy lifestyle choices, can have the greatest beneficial effect.
Smoking causes 25,000 deaths from heart and circulatory disease each year. Initiatives helping people give up smoking, encouraging them to eat more healthily and take more regular exercise will lead to a reduction in claims.
3.4.10 Heart valve replacement or repair
Like coronary artery by-pass surgery, the model wording for heart valve replacement or repair requires the median sternotomy as a condition of claim.
In 2005, 2-3% of the population suffered from mitral valve prolapse, the most common form of heart valve disease. 9 Many of the cases will be treated by balloon valvuloplasty and similar techniques. The incidence of surgery being required is 0.02%.
Heart valve replacement is a valuable cover and accounted for 1.22% of claims in 2008.
With the exception of Pulse and Windsor Life, all providers offer cover. Royal London, Skandia and Scottish Provident have more generous definitions, which do not require median sternotomy and therefore allow key-hole procedures. PruProtect pay 25% of the benefit for heart valve replacement surgery and 15% of the benefit for endovascular techniques.
3.4.11 HIV infection
The model wording covers individuals where infection with HIV results from a blood transfusion, a physical assault or an accident at work in a specified geographical area, for example, the UK. It excludes claims where infection results from sexual activity or drug use.
9
While infection with contaminated blood products was originally one of the main causes of infection, since the introduction of heat treatment of blood products in 1985, most infections are now as a result of sexual activity with an infected person or sharing contaminated drug needles. In total 1,909 people had been infected as a result of blood/tissue transfer or treatment with blood factor by the end of June 2008, of whom 80% were diagnosed before 1991.10
Infection resulting from an accident at work is also rare. Most at risk are healthcare workers; in the US up to 2006, only 140 possible cases were reported. So while the numbers of HIV diagnoses are rising generally, those cases that would be covered by critical illness insurance are few.
There is also doubt as to whether a claim would be admitted if the person concerned had not tested negative at some point prior to the accident to eliminate the possibility that the infection was already present. We are unaware of any successful claims under this cover in 2008.
All providers except St Andrews Life, Pulse,
Co-operative Insurance and Windsor Life offer cover. Most restrict claims to infection acquired in the UK or UK & EU only. Bupa and Bright Grey do not specify a geographical area and Fortis has a wide list of ‘eligible’ countries.
3.4.12 Kidney failure
The standard definition requires chronic and end stage failure of both kidneys resulting in the need for regular dialysis. The condition has therefore to be very severe in order to trigger a claim.
10
AIDS charity Avert
While 6-8 per 10,000 people rely on dialysis for survival, only one per 10,000 reach end stage kidney failure each year.11
According to the NHS, the average age of somebody with the condition is 77. The maximum age for cover applying to many critical illness policies would therefore preclude claims.
However, the number of cases is increasing by approximately 5% per annum and we calculate that the claims for kidney failure in 2008 were on average 0.29%, but as high as 0.7% for some insurers. It is therefore a cover worth having.
All providers cover kidney failure using the standard definition.
3.4.13 Loss of speech
The permanent and irreversible loss of speech required by the model wording other than in connection with another condition would appear to very rare. People lose the ability to speak where they have Alzheimer’s, for example, or perhaps following an operation to the larynx to treat cancer. Such cases would probably trigger a claim under another condition.
All providers offer this cover, but we are not aware of any claims under this condition in 2008.
3.4.14 Loss of hands or feet
The model wording requires the loss of two hands or feet or a hand and a foot.
There were 242 upper limb amputations in 2005/6 of which only 2% were double amputations. Lower limb amputations are more common; 4,576 of which 5% were double amputations.12
11
Kidney Research UK
12
Double amputations are therefore quite rare and we know of no claims in 2008.
A further difficulty is that most lower limb amputations (70%) are due to dysvascularity, of which 39% are due to diabetes. Consequently, these mainly affect people over the age of 64, (58%). Upper limb amputations affect mainly young people involved in trauma; 53% of
amputations are as a result of trauma and 75% of people affected are under 65.
All providers offer this cover and use the standard wording except for Axa, Bupa and Fortis, which admit claims for severance of only one hand or foot.
PruProtect pay 50% of the benefit for the loss of a single hand or foot and 75% if the amputation is above the elbow or knee. The likelihood of claims is greater under policies form these providers.
3.4.15 Major organ transplant
One of the reasons critical illness insurance was developed in the first place was to provide funding for major organ transplants, principally heart transplants in South Africa. It is appropriate therefore that all providers offer this cover.
There were 2,381 transplants in March 2008.13 Most of these were kidney transplants of which there were 1,453 in 2007/8, an increase from 1,440 in 2006/7. There were 636 liver transplants; 250 heart related transplants; 209 pancreas transplants; and 122 lung transplants. Lung transplants can be carried out in conjunction with heart transplants.
We calculate that on average major organ transplant was responsible for 0.1% of critical illness claims in 2008, but 0.3% was a typical figure for those had such claims.
13
NHS, UK Transplant Activity Report 2007/8
It continues to be an important element of critical illness cover. Although the number of people on the active transplant list for heart transplants has decreased and has remained constant for liver transplants, the numbers on the waiting list for pancreas transplants has more than tripled since 1999. The numbers on the kidney waiting list has increased by 51%.
3.4.16 Motor Neurone disease
Motor neurone disease (MND) causes degeneration of the upper and lower motor neurones resulting in muscle wastage. It is a progressive disease that causes loss of mobility and problems with speech, swallowing and breathing.
The number of people who will develop MND each year is 0.2 in 10,000, although the incidence predicted by one reinsurer is 0.6 in 10,000. Men are twice as likely to be affected as females.14
Deaths attributed to MND increased by 12% between 2003 and 2006. While this was probably due to better diagnosis rather than an increase in the disease, either way it has implications for critical illness providers and reinsurers.
We calculate that on average just 0.25% of critical illness claims were due to MND in 2008.
Although the disease is quite rare, the value of MND cover should be assessed against the increasing diagnosis rate and the obvious financial needs of the sufferer, whose life expectancy for the most common form of MND is two to five years.
Most people affected are over the age of 40 with the highest incidence between the ages of 50 and 70. Maximum age stipulations with the definition or as a general plan condition with also affect the value of cover.
14
3.4.17 Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in damage to the
protective myelin sheath around the nerve fibres causing the messages between the brain and other parts of the body to become confused giving rise to any number of a wide range of disabling symptoms. The disease is not fatal.
In most cases, the symptoms are first seen between the ages of 20 and 40 although they can occur at any age. It is the most common disabling neurological disease of young adults affecting 85,000 people in the UK.15
The risk of contracting MS in the general population has been reported as being as high as 12 in 10,000. Women are twice as likely to be affected as men. This is reflected in the relatively high claim rate for MS under critical illness policies, on average 4.47% in 2008.
Those suffering with MS might not be able to work and therefore have financial needs, although as the disease is not fatal in itself, they may be better served by the longer term cover provided by income protection insurance than critical illness.
3.4.18 Paralysis of limbs
The model wording refers to total and irreversible paralysis of two limbs; this points primarily to paraplegia where damage to the motor nerves in the spine result in the paralysis of both legs.
Congenital defects such as Spina Bifida are common causes but in terms of critical illness insurance, the main risk is from spinal cord injury as a result of trauma. If the damage is higher in the spinal column, the arms may also be affected; this condition is called tetraplegia.
All providers offer this cover except Pulse and St Andrew’s Life.
15
Multiple Sclerosis Society
It is a valuable benefit because unlike some conditions, which occur mainly in later life when critical illness cover has ceased, trauma in road accidents, for example, could occur to anyone at any time. On average, paralysis of limbs accounted for 0.2% of claims in 2008, 0.5% for some providers.
3.4.19 Parkinson’s disease
It is reported that one in 500 people have Parkinson’s in the UK.16 It mainly develops in people over the age of 50 and its prevalence increases with increasing age. Only 0.2% of diagnoses relate to people under 40.
The model definition permits insurers to specify a maximum age but, to their credit, most do not. Coventry, Forrester’s Life and NatWest cease cover at age 60; Aviva, St Andrew’s life and Zurich cease cover at 65. HSBC, Pulse and Windsor Life do not cover Parkinson’s disease at all.
The incidence is quite high, estimated to be over three in 10,000 and the condition is responsible for a significant number of claims; on average 0.4% but with some providers recording as much as 0.7%. It remains an important element of critical illness cover.
3.4.20 Stroke
Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the UK after heart attack and cancer. Consequently, these conditions together define critical illness cover.
Around 150,000 people have a stroke, one every four minutes.17 Further, it has a greater disability impact than any other chronic disease; over 300,000 people are living with moderate to severe disabilities as a result of stroke. In terms of critical illness, stroke is therefore an important cover as those people that survive will have increased financial needs as a result of their condition.
16
Parkinson’s Disease Society
17
On average, stroke accounted for 5.54% of critical illness claims in 2008, in the case of some insurers as much as 7%.
3.4.21 Terminal illness
Traditionally, terminal illness cover is an option on a life assurance product whereby the benefit is paid early when the life assured is terminally ill and not expected to live very long, typically 12 months.
Terminal illness overlaps with many of the other conditions on critical illness policies and for this reason providers do not always include terminal illness on their stand alone critical illness products.
All providers offer terminal illness on their accelerated critical illness products, however, eight providers, Bright Grey, Bupa, Coventry, Forrester’s, Friends Provident, HSBC, NatWest and Aviva do not offer terminal illness on the stand alone product.
According to our research, terminal illness accounted for as much as a fifth of critical illness claims for one provider. If a provider is seen to record a large percentage of their critical illness claims as terminal illness, it would suggest that the definitions for the other critical conditions are perhaps too strict or that terminal illness is being used to sweep up claims that otherwise cannot be easily pigeon-holed.
3.4.22 Third degree burns
The model definition requires third degree burns to 20% of the body surface for a valid claim.
While burns are the third most common reason to attend A&E as a result of accidents in the home, most cases involve young children and thankfully would not be severe enough to claim. People claiming under this cover on their policy will likely have been trapped in a fire or involved in a road accident.
According to our calculations very few claims are paid out under this condition, possibly because those affected will have other more pressing claims.
Most providers cover third degree burns using the model wording. Nine providers employ a superior definition: Aegon, Aviva, Axa, Bright Grey, Bupa and Friends Provident cover third degree burns to 20% of the body and 50% of the face; Fortis and Progress cover third degree burns to 20% of the face; PruProtect offers a range of benefits depending on severity ranging from full benefit for burns to 20% of the body down to 15% of the benefit for burns covering just 5% of the body.
3.4.23 Traumatic head injury
Road traffic accidents, assaults, falls and accidents at home or at work are the most common causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI).18 It estimates that more than a million people attend A&E because of head injuries each year and 135,000 will be admitted because of the severity of their injuries.
The model wording requires death of brain tissue resulting in permanent neurological deficit with persisting clinical symptoms. Such symptoms may be physical, cognitive or connected with behaviour and personality.
The implications for critical illness are that more people are surviving severe brain injuries and, generally having a normal life expectancy, there are an increasing number of survivors. According to Headway, it is estimated that across the UK there are over 500,000 people living with disabilities as the result of head injury. These people have an obvious financial need and the payout from a critical illness policy or income protection policy would be very valuable to them. The cover is all the more valuable because traumatic head injury can affect anyone not just the elderly, indeed those aged between 15 and 29 are three times more at risk.
18
As many as 0.6% of critical illness claims resulted from traumatic head injury in 2008 and all providers except NatWest, St Andrew’s Life, Co-Operative Insurance, Pulse and Windsor Life cover traumatic head injuries.
Alcohol is a factor in over one third of traumatic brain injuries. Axa and Britannia, which do not have a general exclusion relating to alcohol or drug abuse, include a specific exclusion in their definitions.
In this respect, the providers that neither exclude alcohol and drug abuse generally or specifically are providing better cover, namely, Bupa, Fortis, Skandia, Bright Grey, HSBC, LV=, Progress and Scottish Provident.
3.5 Other critical conditions
In addition to the 23 ABI defined critical conditions, there are a further 20 other defined conditions on the market.
3.5.1 Angioplasty
This endovascular technique to dilate narrowed arteries complements coronary artery bypass surgery.
It is a fact that three in ten people having an angiogram usually need angioplasty.19 Our own research shows that as much as 2% of critical illness claims are attributable to angioplasty.
Just seven providers cover angioplasty; Bupa, Direct Line, Tesco, Skandia and Sun Life Financial of Canada (Lincoln) require the narrowing to be at least 70%; Unum require only 50% narrowing. PruProtect gives less cover by paying out only 10% of the benefit for angioplasty, but regardless of the number of arteries blocked or the extent of the narrowing.
There is an argument that due to medical advancement in this area, there is no longer the same degree of severe physical impact as other critical illnesses and it is common that the patient makes a speedy recovery. This
19
NHS Direct
highlights shortcomings of the ‘one size fits all’ approach of traditional critical illness policies and lends weight to the severity-based approach.
3.5.2 Aplastic anaemia
Aplastic anaemia or bone marrow failure is quite rare with an incidence rate of just 0.02 per 10,000 in the UK.20
Approximately half the providers cover aplastic anaemia and employ a definition that requires a ‘definite diagnosis by a consultant haematologist of permanent bone marrow failure that results in anaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia’.
The condition, as part of a critical illness policy, has some value. The median age for those with the disease is only 25 and so the cover is relevant to many with critical illness policies; and it is responsible for some claims.
3.5.3 Bacterial meningitis
This potentially fatal form of meningitis is most
commonly caused by meningococcal and pneumococcal bacteria.
Most cases of meningitis occur in children under five so the value to holders of critical illness policies is reduced. However, between 50 and 100 cases of meningococcal meningitis occur each year in the age range 14 to 44.21
Approximately, half of critical illness providers offer cover; Coventry offers it just for children under 18. PruProtect pay 10% of the benefit for this condition.
Most definitions require there to be neurological deficit and persisting clinical symptoms meaning that only the most severe forms of the condition are covered. Some definitions specify a definite diagnosis by a consultant
20
Leukaemia Research
21
neurologist. Most exclude viral and other forms of meningitis and Bupa and St Andrew’s Life exclude the condition in the presence of HIV. Aegon specifically excludes meningococcal septicaemia.
On average, as much as 0.1% of claims in 2008 were attributable to bacterial meningitis.
3.5.4 Balloon valvuloplasty
The procedure, similar to angioplasty, is used to treat heart valve stenosis. Only four providers offer this cover: Direct Line, Tesco and Unum; PruProtect would pay 15% of the benefit for a successful claim.
We are unaware of any claims under this cover and like angioplasty the procedure often will not have a severe impact on the sufferer’s lifestyle.
3.5.5 Cardiomyopathy
According to Patient UK, the most common form of the disease, Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), where the heart becomes enlarged, has a prevalence of between 40 and 50 per 100,000; Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), an excessive thickening of the heart muscle, has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 500; Restrictive
Cardiomyopathy (RCM), where the walls of the heart become stiff, has a prevalence of between one in 1,000 and one in 5,000; and the Arrhythmogenic form (ARVC), where the muscle is replaced with fibrous and fatty tissue resulting in dilation, is rarer.
The incidence of DCM is two in 10,000 and mainly affects people between the ages of 20 and 60. This is definitely within the scope of critical illness insurance and there have been some cases of claims for cardiomyopathy.
Approximately half of providers cover cardiomyopathy. Those that do, have definitions that require a definite diagnosis and permanent damage to the heart muscle resulting in reduce capacity to pump blood around the body. Typically, they refer to ventricular ejection fractions
of around 30% or cite impairments to Stage III or IV under the New York Heart Association Functional Classification.
3.5.6 Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (CJD)
The most common form, Sporadic CJD, accounted for 89% of CJD related deaths in 2008.
New variant CJD mainly affects people in their mid-twenties and is generally accepted to be the human form of BSE in cattle. Cases of variant CJD peaked during the years 1996 to 2003 and now are rare; there was one CJD death in 2008. Other forms are very rare and it is estimated that one death in every million is caused by Sporadic CJD.
All providers offer cover, except Direct Line, Tesco, Forresters, HSBC, NFU, Pulse, Windsor Life and Sun Life Financial of Canada (Lincoln).
The reported incidence is 0.02 in 10,000 and it would appear unlikely that there will be may claims.
3.5.7 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, the inability of the body to produce sufficient quantities of insulin, is the most common form and being linked to obesity has seen a steep increase in prevalence. There was a 74% rise in new cases of diabetes from 1997 to 2003 and by 2005; more than 4% of the population was classed as having diabetes.22
Traditionally, type 2 diabetes mainly affected people over 40, but due to increased childhood obesity, children as young as seven have been diagnosed. The incidence of diabetes is therefore dependent on the effectiveness of initiatives to improve public health and reduce obesity. The likelihood of claims is potentially high, which accounts for why only one provider covers diabetes mellitus (Bupa) and the definition employed excludes
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