When an insurer talks about “meeting the definition,” they’re referring to the medical criteria required for a claim to be paid.
These definitions are set out clearly in insurer documents, such as the Legal & General and Scottish Widows guides you provided.
At Lyfesure, we simplify these definitions into plain English.
For example, a heart attack claim typically requires evidence of heart muscle damage confirmed by ECG changes and raised cardiac markers. A stroke requires symptoms lasting at least 24 hours with evidence of brain tissue damage. Not every diagnosis automatically meets the insurer’s definition; the severity must match what they specify.
This ensures fairness and consistency. Two people with the same diagnosis receive the same assessment, no matter where in the UK they’re treated.
The phrase “meeting the definition” is one of the most searched terms in protection insurance because customers worry about claims being declined. At Lyfesure, we walk clients through these definitions before they buy a policy, so nothing is a surprise if you ever need to claim.
Understanding definitions upfront means you always know what you’re covered for—and what you’re not.
