Asteron product enhancements well-received

Last month, the life insurer made 13 modifications to its products bringing it in line with most of its competitors, as it brought in enhancements such as free upgrades for existing clients, and premium holidays for financial hardship.

Its trauma and total and permanent disablement option was an "industry first" and would probably filter through to the rest of the sector in the next six months, according to insurance product analyst Graeme Lindsay of Strategy Financial Services.

"They were all good changes - one in particular, trauma and total and permanent disablement specifically, was clever," Lindsay said.

Asteron general manager Antony Vriens said their other enhancements give advisers the opportunity to contact existing clients and let them know their cover had been improved.