Scottish Provident has announced a series of what it calls ’product boosters’ across its self-assurance critical illness cover.

It is also reducing the majority of its life and critical illness rates.

As part of the expansion of its critical illness policies, Scottish Provident has added multiple sclerosis to its existing ABI+ definitions. The enhanced definition means a pay out could be made after three months of persisting impairment rather than six months.

Two new additional covered conditions – accident hospitalisation cover and cover for third degree burns are also now included as part of the cover.

The increase means there are 45 definitions with 41 paying the full amount of cover, whilst a further four will pay out a maximum of £15,000 or 20% of the main critical illness benefit, whichever is lower. Successful claims for additional covered conditions have the added value of not reducing the original amount of the critical illness covered by the policy.

Jennifer Gilchrist, senior product development manager at Scottish Provident, said: “Scottish Provident has been urging people to make 2012 the year where they take more of a financial initiative, and ensure that they purchase valuable protection. By reducing the cost of the majority of our rates, it is now even cheaper to take out protection.

“Scottish Provident is using its 175th anniversary to ensure people get themselves the cover they need from a pioneering protection provider at a competitive price.”