New Aviva critical illness customers will now be able to receive partial payments for two early forms of cancer.

For low grade prostate cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ (an early form of breast cancer) claimants will receive a lump sum of up to £20,000. For both conditions Aviva covers all forms of recognised surgical treatments.

The partial payments are also an additional benefit, separate to the main policy. This means that critical illness cover will continue to be in place, should the customer need to make a further claim in the future.

Aviva has also made improvements to a number of conditions, taking them beyond the standard ABI guidelines to assume an ‘ABI plus’ status. This provides more comprehensive cover for customers, meaning that more people may be able to claim – and in some cases bring forward a claim more quickly – under the new definitions. Aviva now offers 12 ABI plus conditions under its critical illness cover.

The insurer says it is the first provider to make Multiple Sclerosis (MS) an ABI plus condition. The standard ABI definition requires six months of continuous symptoms to be presented after a definite diagnosis, before a claim is paid. Aviva has now reduced this to three months so that customers can benefit more quickly.

Robert Morrison, chief underwriter for Aviva, said: “These enhancements are great news for customers who can now benefit from more comprehensive cover. Cancer treatments can take a huge emotional and physical toll