Legal & General has announced a package of upgrades to its group critical illness cover, designed to enhance both the scope of cover and the ease of administration for employers, intermediaries and employees.

The improvements include the addition of two new conditions — systemic lupus erythematosus and primary pulmonary arterial hypertension — which bring the policy in line with current medical understanding and broaden the range of claims eligible for support.

These additions are aimed at making it easier for advisers to compare L&G’s proposition with others in the market, while also providing greater reassurance to employees.

Seven existing conditions have also been updated, alongside enhancements to policy wording and definitions. One of the more significant changes is the introduction of a ‘suited occupation’ definition for total and permanent disability, which gives greater flexibility in assessing a claimant’s ability to return to work.

Further refinements include updated terms related to salary increases, intended to reduce administrative complexity, and clearer provisions for continued cover during temporary absence from work. Employees who are away from work — including on parental leave — can now make changes to their voluntary cover, including increasing it or adding a partner’s cover, where employer arrangements allow.

In addition, L&G has brought its Flex and Voluntary terms into alignment. As a result, employees opting into the cover through Flex arrangements will now benefit from a three-month selection window upon first joining.

James Walker, head of product and proposition – group protection at L&G, said: “The addition of two new conditions improves our proposition, making it easier for intermediaries to recommend L&G when looking for suitable arrangements for their clients.

“Importantly, our existing group critical illness cover customers will also benefit from the enhancements from their next rate review, helping to improve the experience for all our customers.”