Brokers are being urged to revisit the everyday protection needs of clients after Legal & General confirmed it will no longer offer fracture cover to new or renewing customers – at a time when the frequency and financial impact of accidental injuries is rising.
The decision, which removes one of the UK market’s most visible fracture protection policies, comes as new research from MetLife UK reveals the stark reality of accident-related injuries among adults.
More than half (56%) of UK adults say they’ve suffered an injury due to an accident, with broken bones by far the most common outcome – affecting half of those injured.
URGENT CALL TO ACTION
The data highlights an urgent call to action for advisers, particularly as the protection market grapples with a widening disconnect between product availability and real-world risk.
According to MetLife, just 7% of adults have any form of personal injury cover, despite accidents accounting for one in ten hospital visits – three-quarters of which result in admission, treatment delays and lost income.
The research shows everyday mishaps are the main culprits. Nearly one in three injuries stem from simple trips or falls, 22% from road accidents, and almost a fifth (19%) from sporting activities. Injuries from falling down stairs (13%) and falling from a height (10%) also featured prominently.
GAPING HOLE
Phil Jeynes, Head of Individual Protection at MetLife UK, said the findings reveal a gaping hole in protection planning.
He added: “Accidents happen all the time. From tripping over, falling down the stairs, or playing sports. And while some might just be a bit of a bump, too many cause not just a significant injury but also have significant financial consequences, leaving people restricted in the work that they can do while they heal – if they can work at all.
“With fractures and broken bones being the most common injuries that people sustain, fracture cover is a crucial part of building reliable protection for individuals and their families.”
Jeynes reckons that the industry must do more to provide “tangible” protection that reflects how people live – and get hurt – day to day.
MetLife’s EverydayProtect policy, for instance, offers 24/7 financial support for a range of injuries, including fractures, at an accessible price point, aiming to help individuals recover without added financial stress.
