EXTRA features are regularly added to the range of serious illness policies on the market Canada Life's latest addition is a hospital cash benefit which will pay up to £100 a week in the event that a person is unable to work due to an accidental injury. The benefit can last up to 52 weeks. The company says the scheme is designed to take some of the stress out of being out of work due to an injury and extends the range of cash payment options.

The widening of benefits under serious illness plans and their increasing availability as part of broader life and pension policies is a part to a trend forecast by industry analysts. It is further expected that serious illness/health insurance plans, complete with hospital cash benefits and long term disability benefits will become standard elements when a person buys life insurance or pension cover.