Women are warned to ensure they purchase vital protection products before prices are forced up.

Scottish Provident has launched a campaign over the issue.

Under the terms of the new EU gender directive, set to come into force on December 21, the cost of life insurance for women will be forced to move in line with that of their male counterparts, meaning that substantial rises are predicted.

Scottish Provident is calling on women to protect their financial futures by purchasing products this year, while costs of life insurance remains at low levels.

Jennifer Gilchrist, senior product development manager at Scottish Provident, said: “Costs of valuable protection products