Aviva updates Covid-19 underwriting questions amid vaccination success

Aviva has updated its underwriting questions on Covid-19 and mental health for individual protection applications.

The insurer said the changes should improve access to insurance for more customers amid the success of the vaccination programme.

They include reducing the need for applicants to disclose a Covid-19 diagnosis or symptoms from within the last 30 days to 14 days, and amending the definition of cough to “a new continuous cough” in line with NHS guidance on common Covid-19 symptoms.

Additionally, it has removed the need for a customer to self-isolate or disclose contact with someone suspected or confirmed to have Covid-19.

The insurer has also updated its mental health questions and underlying rules, ensuring the “language used is sensitive and easy for a customer to understand”.

Aviva chief underwriting officer for health and protection Robert Morrison said: “These are very positive changes for Aviva as more customers will be able to get the valuable cover they need immediately.

“We have worked closely with charities to ensure that our underwriting questions and the language we use reflects the evolving mental health landscape in the UK, and provides an empathetic journey for those disclosing a common mental health condition.”

He added: “We have also been closely monitoring the science as the vaccination programme continues to weaken the link between Covid-19 infections and deaths. We will continue to develop our underwriting stance over time.”

In August, Aviva reported its protection and health operating profit had increased by 32% to £107m in the first six months of the year.

It put the robust performance down to strong group protection claims experience and cost cutting.