Zurich Financial Services has scrapped compulsory personal medical attendant reports (PMARs) on a number of its life, total and permanent disability (TPD) and income protection policies.

The reports have been dropped from death cover up to $5 million, TPD cover up to $3 million and income protection cover up to $15,000 per month. These new conditions apply to clients of any ages.

Zurich GM Sales and Marketing, Retail Risk, Philip Kewin says most applications for life and TPD cover already fall within these limits, so the company has almost completely scrapped mandatory reports.

“Because PMARs rely on the client’s doctor for completion, they can often slow the application process right down,” he said.

“Removing them for the vast majority of cases will allow clients to get covered much quicker.”

To streamline the application process further, Zurich has also relaxed some financial requirements and given advisers more flexibility on ways to provide this evidence.

“Red tape can lead to longer turnaround times, which isn’t in the best interest of the customer,” Mr Kewin said.

“If we ultimately want to give advisers the ability to give their clients the cover they need in a timely manner, we need to remove these barriers.”

He says the latest changes are in response to market demand, which is constantly changing.