The aim was to make it easier and quicker to get ‘on risk'. Fewer applications will now require GP reports, reflecting the time delays that this can introduce to the application process.
Russ Whitworth, underwriting and claims director for protection said: "We're always looking to update and improve our underwriting philosophy and we felt that there was scope to speed up the process and make it easier for people to take out cover. Therefore, for people under 50, GP reports are no longer the first piece of medical evidence that we will look for, instead focussing on nurse screening examinations, which take up less time. There are sums assured where we will not require any medical evidence at all, although this limit varies with age.
"Less time spent in underwriting means that advisers have more control and people can start their policies quicker."
Applicants aged under 40 are even better off - a GP report is not automatically requested unless the sum assured for life insurance is over £1 million. Similarly, for critical illness GP reports are not routinely required for this age group unless the sum assured is over £600,000.
Legal & General has particularly targeted high net worth applications for improvement, with the removal of resting ECGs (electrocardiograms) for high sums assured. This reflects a greater focus on large case business.
