Friends Provident enhances its Critical Illness Cover

Friends Provident has announced that it has enhanced its Critical Illness Cover (CIC) by extending the list of conditions covered under its plan to 36. The company has also extended the maximum policy term to 40 years and the age at which plans can end to age 70.

Mark Jones, head of protection at Friends Provident said: "Friends Provident's strengths in the protection market are its claims handling and service levels. If you combine these existing strengths with the enhancements we have announced today, we believe this makes our Critical Illness Cover one of the most comprehensive products available in the protection market. There is now no reason for advisers not to recommend our Critical Illness Cover to their clients."

In June 2007 Friends Provident led the market by implementing proposals to pay proportionate sums to claimants in some cases of non-disclosure. These new additions have been implemented to improve the company's competitive position in the protection market.

Mark Jones commented: "All providers sell these products to give people valuable peace of mind. I believe the industry's continued efforts in implementing a fairer claims culture is reaping rewards for customers, advisers and for the overall reputation of the industry."