Aviva's guide to medical definitions is about to hit the desks of financial advisers all over Australia.
Aviva's guide to medical definitions is about to hit the desks of financial advisers all over Australia.
Heralded as the first of its kind, the guide introduces advisers and their customers to a broad range of medical terms and their meanings.
Some of the facts found in the guide, include:
- It is estimated that at least 300,000 Australians have chronic heart failure, with 30,000 new cases diagnosed each year
- Almost 70% of vision impairment is caused by treatable or preventable conditions
- On a typical day 41 people will undergo coronary by-pass surgery
Aviva's chief operating officer, Grant Salmon says the guide is useful for people who are considering purchasing an insurance product and want to understand more about the risks that insurance can cover.
Most people have heard of conditions such as cancer, stroke and heart attack. They might have even heard of Motor Neurone disease, Parkinsons Disease or even Multiple Sclerosis. However, the specific details of such illnesses, including the causes and the symptoms of these conditions may not be known.
For example, the guide explains the differences and what is involved in coronary artery disease, heart attack and heart surgery. It also describes major burns and the impact of different degree burns.
Instead of the usual jargon often associated with medical definitions, the Aviva guide is designed to be easy to read, informative and not confronting.
"This guide is all about helping people understand more about the illnesses that insurance provides cover for - its not about scaring or confusing them," says Grant.
Also designed to be a reference point for those diagnosed with an ailment, the guide details methods of diagnosis, possible treatments, disease classifications and interesting facts.
"We have tried to ensure all the details are informative instead of terrifying. Everything is in context, survival rates are right along-side treatments and death rates.
"We want this guide to help to demystify illness and insurance and help people to understand the product they are about to buy and the protection it will give them. It will also help those who need to seek treatment to break down medical jargon into normal language."
Written in conjunction with a panel of medical experts, the guide forms part of the newly introduced Aviva Protectionfirst offer, which includes cutting life insurance costs by 22%.
The Aviva guide to medical definitions is available through financial advisers.
-ends-
Grant Salmon is available for interview.
For further information please contact:
Simon Morgan
Group General Manager Public Affairs
tel: (03) 9829 8892
mobile: 0407 966 632
Notes to editors:
- Globally, Aviva Australia is part of Aviva plc, the world's fifth largest insurance group, the largest insurer in the UK and one of the top five life companies in Europe. Aviva was formed in May 2000 through the global merger of CGU plc and Norwich Union plc.
- Aviva is a leading provider of life and pensions products to Europe and has substantial businesses elsewhere around the world. Its main activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance. It has premium income and investment sales from continuing operations of A$78 billion, and more than A$624 billion of assets under management (as at 1 July 2004). The group has more than 56,000 employees and 30 million customers worldwide. Aviva is a leading provider of life and pensions products to Europe and has substantial businesses elsewhere around the world. Its main activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance. It has premium income and investment sales from continuing operations of A$78 billion, and more than A$624 billion of assets under management (as at 1 July 2004). The group has more than 56,000 employees and 30 million customers worldwide.
- The information in this document reflects Norwich Union Life Australia Limited's (NULAL) and NULIS Nominees (Australia) Limited's ('NULIS') understanding of existing legislation, proposed legislation, rulings etc as at the date of issue. In some cases the information has been provided to us by third parties. While it is believed the information is accurate and reliable, this is not guaranteed in any way. The information given in this document is of a general nature and has not taken into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person and it is not a substitute for professional advice. Applications to invest in a financial product issued by Aviva, or any of its related entities, must be made by completing the application form attached to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement ("PDS"). A PDS is available from Aviva or your financial adviser. Before making an investment decision on the basis of the information above, a prospective investor needs to consider, with or without the assistance of a professional adviser whether the information is appropriate in the light of their particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.