Asteron Life will include the terminal illness benefit definition “unlikely to survive more than 24 months” in its retail and group life policies, including on current Life Complete insureds.

It will enable a claim to be paid after certification of illness. Previously the definition stated 12 months.

Coronary artery angioplasty and melanoma definitions have also been upgraded for Life Complete customers.

The partial trauma benefit and the definition of coronary artery angioplasty have been extended, allowing one or more procedures within a two-month period. Previously, the triple-vessel angioplasty had to be performed during the same procedure and each subsequent angioplasty procedure had to occur at least six months after the previous one.

Asteron has also relaxed the melanoma criteria to allow Breslow thickness – a tumour size measurement – of at least 1mm. Previously 1.5mm was required.

Suncorp EGM Personal Injury Portfolio and Products Chris McHugh says the insurer wants to work with independent advisers, and is providing products that meet modern expectations.

“We see real value in ensuring Asteron Life Complete customers have access to a terminal illness benefit earlier,” he said.

“We believe when faced with a terminal illness, this benefit can make a significant difference to customer lives, allowing them to focus on the important things like time with family.”