National Friendly has introduced a series of benefit upgrades to its income protection policies.

The friendly society’s income protection (IP) policy allows members to choose a benefit amount of between £500 and £6,000 a month, up to a maximum 70% of their earnings, and a choice of a maximum of one, two or five-years’ benefit. Previously only one or two-year claim periods were offered.

The benefit guarantee has increased to a maximum of £3,000 per month (£2,000 per month for those who select the five-year benefit option) and the time to supply proof of earnings has been increased to six months from the start of the policy.

National Friendly has also introduced Fracture Cover as a new add-on in addition to Accidental Death and Hazardous Pursuits Cover. Fracture Cover has a single, simple benefit structure with a maximum claim benefit of £3,000 in any year which will pay out based on mild, moderate, and major categories of fracture. It has already proven to be a popular feature since being added to National Friendly’s Accident Only income protection policy in January 2024, the society says.

IP policies also offer up to a maximum of £1,500 a year Rehabilitation Benefit to help cover expenses for two private consultations for physical/mental health therapies, as well as unlimited access to a 24/7 GP service.

It has also introduced a new deferred (“waiting”) period of 365 days, so its members now have the option to wait 30, 60, 90, 180 days, or 365 before their benefit begins.

Graham Singleton, CEO at National Friendly, said: “We continue to evolve the protection products we offer to respond to market demand across our range of income protection plans. Adding Fracture Cover and Rehabilitation Benefit alongside our 24/7 Friendly GP service means we can give our members greater security and wellbeing at an accessible price.”