The improved definitions are for coronary artery bypass grafts – the requirement of surgery to divide the breastbone has been removed; heart valve replacement or repair – the requirement of surgery to divide the breastbone has been removed; and benign brain tumour – the requirement for permanent neurological deficit with persisting clinical symptoms will be waived if the benign brain tumour is surgically removed.
The improved definitions increase the number of ABI+ definitions, ones that are over and above the Association of British Insurers’ standard, to eight.
Ian Smart, head of product development and technical support at Bright Grey, said: “It’s important that we continue to develop our products to meet our customers’ needs by updating conditions where appropriate.
“While the improved definitions are good news for consumers, the basis for recommending a provider shouldn't depend on the list of critical illness definitions it offers. A proposition that delivers the best value should also include practical and emotional support, speedy online acceptance and clear and simple literature.”
