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Home / Critical illness cover / - Coma
Definition
A state of unconsciousness resulting in permanent neurological deficit. Coma secondary to alcohol or drug misuse is not covered.
What does this mean?
A coma is a deep state of unconsciousness from which it is impossible to be aroused. The cause of the coma may be as a result of another illness such as a stroke or may be brought on by a serious accident. If the coma results in permanent damage to the nervous system, the claim will be paid.
NEWS
Income protection is essential
24 August 2007 17:01:12
UK providers should be more committed to income protection insurance, Defaqto has claimed.
A new report from the financial product research company stresses the value of income protection cover, in light of the recent confirmation that sales levels continue to fall.
Nick Telfer, author of the report, said that insurers should show greater commitment to publicising the benefits of this type of cover, as many consumers fail to appreciate its worth.
"I recognise that some insurers have taken steps to simplify the application process but still more needs to be done to improve the appeal of the product itself," he commented.
"Besides being intrinsically complicated, comparisons between different provider offerings are extremely difficult. If this important product is not to wither away through inertia, the industry needs to rethink both how to improve the general appeal of the product and how the product itself can be developed to meet the differing levels of needs that exist in the market."
Unlike critical illness cover, or life insurance, income protection does not offer a lump sum payment, but rather a regular contributory calculated on the basis of the applicant's erstwhile salary.
Obesity drug approved in England and Wales
25 June 2008 10:36:14
A controversial new obesity drug has been approved in England and Wales despite apparent links to an increased risk of depression and suicide.
It is thought that the drug, Rimonabant, could help obese patients lose up to ten per cent of their body weight if coupled with exercise.
Although Scotland and the US are yet to adopt the drug due to concerns over its side effects, an obesity specialist has welcomed the ruling by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Nice) to introduce the drug to England and Wales.
"This is a very good drug, and there are very many people who have tried everything else, including other drugs, with little success, who might benefit from it," Dr David Haslam of the National Obesity Forum told the BBC.
Research suggests that one in ten people may develop mental side effects, which can include anxiety, nervousness, depression and sleep disorders.
Doctors have been ordered not to prescribe the drug to patients with a history of mental illness and to be aware of any changes to their condition when they are on the drug.
Resistance training helps senior citizens remain independent for longer
29 May 2008 13:04:17
Resistance training has a "significant effect" on the strength and daily life of older cancer survivors, according to new research presented at the 55th American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting in Indianapolis.
Dr Catherine Jankowski and her team compared a group of men and women aged 65 or over who completed a circuit of exercise machines three days weekly for four months with seniors who did no extra exercise.
Those who exercised were significantly stronger and showed a greater ability to perform tasks such as shopping, walking up stairs or doing housework.
Dr Jankowski said: "What study participants did in the gym had a significant effect on their ability to do day-to-day things. It's clear that exercise can help seniors live independently as long as possible."
She told the ACSM that the demonstrated results of strength training helps address the question of how cancer survivors and an increasingly aging population can obtain a better quality of life.
The team hopes to develop the study using larger numbers of subjects over a longer period of time.
Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activity for older adults to ensure healthy aging.
24 August 2007 17:01:12
UK providers should be more committed to income protection insurance, Defaqto has claimed.
A new report from the financial product research company stresses the value of income protection cover, in light of the recent confirmation that sales levels continue to fall.
Nick Telfer, author of the report, said that insurers should show greater commitment to publicising the benefits of this type of cover, as many consumers fail to appreciate its worth.
"I recognise that some insurers have taken steps to simplify the application process but still more needs to be done to improve the appeal of the product itself," he commented.
"Besides being intrinsically complicated, comparisons between different provider offerings are extremely difficult. If this important product is not to wither away through inertia, the industry needs to rethink both how to improve the general appeal of the product and how the product itself can be developed to meet the differing levels of needs that exist in the market."
Unlike critical illness cover, or life insurance, income protection does not offer a lump sum payment, but rather a regular contributory calculated on the basis of the applicant's erstwhile salary.
25 June 2008 10:36:14
A controversial new obesity drug has been approved in England and Wales despite apparent links to an increased risk of depression and suicide.
It is thought that the drug, Rimonabant, could help obese patients lose up to ten per cent of their body weight if coupled with exercise.
Although Scotland and the US are yet to adopt the drug due to concerns over its side effects, an obesity specialist has welcomed the ruling by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Nice) to introduce the drug to England and Wales.
"This is a very good drug, and there are very many people who have tried everything else, including other drugs, with little success, who might benefit from it," Dr David Haslam of the National Obesity Forum told the BBC.
Research suggests that one in ten people may develop mental side effects, which can include anxiety, nervousness, depression and sleep disorders.
Doctors have been ordered not to prescribe the drug to patients with a history of mental illness and to be aware of any changes to their condition when they are on the drug.
29 May 2008 13:04:17
Resistance training has a "significant effect" on the strength and daily life of older cancer survivors, according to new research presented at the 55th American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting in Indianapolis.
Dr Catherine Jankowski and her team compared a group of men and women aged 65 or over who completed a circuit of exercise machines three days weekly for four months with seniors who did no extra exercise.
Those who exercised were significantly stronger and showed a greater ability to perform tasks such as shopping, walking up stairs or doing housework.
Dr Jankowski said: "What study participants did in the gym had a significant effect on their ability to do day-to-day things. It's clear that exercise can help seniors live independently as long as possible."
She told the ACSM that the demonstrated results of strength training helps address the question of how cancer survivors and an increasingly aging population can obtain a better quality of life.
The team hopes to develop the study using larger numbers of subjects over a longer period of time.
Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activity for older adults to ensure healthy aging.