Friends Provident removes standard exclusions from Income Protection benefits

Friends Provident, the FTSE 100 life and pensions company, has removed the HIV/AIDS and war exclusions on its Individual and Executive Income Protection products, making it the first UK life assurance firm to ditch all standard exclusions on income protection benefits throughout the range.

As part of a number of improvements, the period of linked incapacity during which any deferred period can be waived has also been extended from 6 to 12 months to provide support for those trying to return to work.

In addition, more generous benefit limits for higher earners have been introduced, with the Individual Income Protection product now providing up to £3,000 a year more for those on an annual salary of £100,000.

Meanwhile, the maximum monthly benefit available has been increased from £10,400 to £13,000.

Mark Jones, protection manager at Friends Provident, said: “We’re constantly evaluating our range to make sure it reflects the latest social, economic and medical circumstances and offers value for customers.”