Royal London Removes COVID-19 Restrictions

Researched & written by Kenzie S.

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Read time:

2–3 minutes

Published on:

1 Jun 21

Topic:

Life insurance

Royal London is updating its underwriting philosophy put in place last year because of Covid-19 from 24th May.

Changes will apply to all new and pending applications. The update will also apply to policies where terms have expired or need a further underwriting assessment.

According to Royal London, 6 in 10 of the applications that were postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions will now be offered terms for cover.

Royal London chief underwriter Craig Paterson said:

“With an improving picture in the UK and the progress of the vaccination programme, we’re pleased to be able to remove the bulk of the restrictions that have been in place for the last year.

“Our updated approach to underwriting will ensure greater access to insurance with more customers now able to obtain cover, while also recognising that the situation remains changeable.

“We will continue to evolve our underwriting philosophy as circumstances dictate with the aim of returning to our pre-pandemic philosophy as soon as we are able to.”

In additions to this, all temporary rating restrictions for critical illness and income protection will be removed.

The maximum rating limit will return to 150% for all customers.

Royal London has increased maximum ratings applied to life insurance applications at all age bands. The maximum will be for those under 60, with a 300% increase.

The news is another positive step back towards a “normal” underwriting environment. Protect Line director and co-founder David Brewer said “This news from Royal London is a great indication that confidence is returning in the protection market place. We’re delighted that we can once again help customers that suffered from illness and disease find the cover they desire.”

David was also keen to note that many other life and critical illness insurers have already made similar announcements; “Sadly helping customers find cover they can afford has never been more challenging. Many families have re-evaluated their priorities and we feel privileged to have helped many find cover at this unusual time. We hope, when the dust settles, we can all take lessons from the pandemic and help to continue to create better and more accessible protection for customers.”

Notes:

1. Six in ten of the applications that will now be offered terms for cover is based on previous application information.
2. The underwriting decision is dependent upon a customer’s answers to the application form questions and any other information evidence gathered during the underwriting process. Some aspects of a customer’s medical history may merit an additional premium rating on top of the standard rate. If the sum of any additional premium rating exceeds the maximum for the given age band, the applicant’s cover will be postponed.

Original Press Release

Critical Illness plans may not cover all definitions of critical illness. The definitions vary between product providers and will be described in the Key features and Policy Document if you go ahead with a plan.