LV= is making changes to its underwriting rules which, it claims, will result in an increase in the number of applications receiving an immediate online decision.

Products affected by these changes are life cover, critical illness and income protection applied for through LV=’s Flexible Protection Plan.

The changes to LV=’s online system include a reduction in medical evidence requests for applicants with hypertension and raised cholesterol and a reduction in the number of exclusions applied for people with muscular back pain or strain.

LV= also claims that changes have also been made to make it easier for advisers to get immediate decisions on applicants who have previously suffered benign lumps or cysts, kidney disorders, gynaecological conditions, and ear disorders.

The changes were made after LV= reviewed data from previous applications where the medical conditions disclosed required further evidence. LV= has incorporated this data into its online quote engine.

Mark Jones , LV= head of protection, said: “We have an in-house team dedicated to improving our underwriting system