Royal London has introduced a number of changes to its diabetes underwriting philosophy.

The changes are in line with the mutual insurer’s commitment to regularly enhance the most common areas of its protection underwriting disclosure.

The changes will improve outcomes for customers living with type 1 diabetes and ensure type 2 diabetes loadings are appropriate.

It has also removed or reduced some of the additional loadings applied in underwriting diabetes. For example, the loading applied for the complication of background retinopathy has been reduced. In addition, it has introduced a bespoke approach for pre-diabetes allowing more customers to get a decision at the point of application.

Craig Paterson, chief underwriter at Royal London, said: “The improvements to our underwriting of customers living with diabetes continues our theme of focussing on evidence-based underwriting and boosting access to protection insurance.

“The changes reaffirm our commitment to regularly review and enhance our offering, ensuring our customer journey is quick and efficient, and allows more people to protect themselves and their families.”