The ABI has published an updated Statement of Best Practice to help people who need to make a Critical Illness (CI) claim.

This new statement is the result of extensive consultation and research into what customers need and where there have been problems in the past. It will improve clarity and understanding and it updates the standard wording of illness definitions to come in line with current clinical best practice.

The ABI believes customers will have a better understanding of what they are covered for under their Critical Illness policy.

The new Statement of Best Practice for Critical Illness insurance includes a clarification of the difference between additional and partial payments and it also brings the heart attack definition in line with clinical practice.

Helen White, the ABI’s head of protection, said: “The updated Critical Illness Statement of Best Practice will mean customers have a much clearer explanation of what their policy does and does not cover when they buy it and if they need to make a claim that it meets their expectations. This in turn should also lead to fewer declined claims.”