Aviva is adding medical questions and introducing automatic underwriting to online annuity quotes. The new online quote merges standard and enhanced annuities and makes it quicker for advisers to get the best possible income for customers.

Adding medical conditions to online quotes is the latest improvement introduced by Aviva to annuity underwriting. In 2008, Aviva improved its annuities by introducing smoker, post code and relationship status to determine annuity income.

Aviva has added medical questions to pension maturity packs which are sent to customers about to retire. This enables Aviva to identify customers who would get an improved income in retirement because of medical conditions.

Clive Bolton, at retirement director at Aviva, said: “Offering annuities that meet the needs of customers and advisers is a priority for Aviva. We have carefully looked at our underwriting over the last 18 months and made significant improvements.  

“We know customers are often confused by terms such as standard and enhanced annuities and we have really looked at how to make it easier for them. They shouldn’t have to ask for an enhanced annuity and the best possible rate; providers have a responsibility to give it automatically to them.”