Press release

Legal & General updates Covid-19 contact and recovery underwriting restrictions

Legal & General has made further updates to its Covid-19 underwriting approach to ensure as many people as possible can access the cover they need.

14 Jun 2021

Link to full press release

As of 14 June 2021, the insurer is lifting the majority of underwriting restrictions and will no longer be asking people if they are self-isolating due to Covid-19, or if they have had direct contact with someone who had, or was thought to have, Covid-19. The questions around any recent diagnosis of Covid-19 or recent Covid-19 related symptoms have been retained, but have now been moved to be part of the main application.

L&G has also announced the Covid-19 related restrictions on the maximum ratings available that could be applied on certain conditions during the pandemic have all been lifted. The approach has now returned to pre-pandemic maximum ratings.

Further updates to L&G’s underwriting approach mean that for Life cover a customer who previously had Covid-19 can apply for cover as soon as they can confirm they have made a full recovery, and those applying for Critical Illness and Income Protection can apply 30 days after full recovery. Previously customers had to wait up to 90 days after recovery.

David Banks, Underwriting & Claims Director, at Legal & General: "We regularly review our underwriting approach based on the latest medical and Government guidance and are therefore lifting the majority of underwriting restrictions that we have had in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

We have taken a nuanced approach to underwriting throughout the pandemic with the aim of offering the maximum number of people cover. Our updated approach is good news for customers and will help allow cover to be given to those who previously would have been postponed due to Covid-19 diagnosis or symptoms."

Matt Morris
Role: Director Division: Carr Consulting & Communications

Tel: 07717 420693
Email: matthew@carrcandc.co.uk

The information contained in this press release is intended solely for journalists and should not be relied upon by private investors or any other persons to make financial decisions.

Notes to editors

Established in 1836, Legal & General is one of the UK's leading financial services groups and a major global investor, with £1.2 trillion in total assets under management (as at HY24) of which c40% (circa £0.5 trillion) is international.

We have a highly synergistic business model, which continues to drive strong returns. We are a leading international player in Institutional Retirement, in Retail Savings and Protection, and in both public and private markets through our Asset Management division. Across the Group, we are committed to responsible investing and dedicated to serving the long-term savings and investment needs of customers and society.

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