More Soldiers Taking Out Life Insurance

More Soldiers Taking Out Life Insurance
By Sky News SkyNews - 1 hour 46 minutes ago

Increasing numbers of soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq are taking out life and accident insurance, according to reports.

Sources in the insurance industry and the Army have said many servicemen and women are buying policies to boost Ministry of Defence pay-outs.

Firms are advertising policies on the internet. One, Abacus, offers a special online application form for troops.

Conservative MP Keith Simpson, who represents mid Norfolk, said many people would be surprised.

"It reinforces the impression that many people have that a duty of care is not being given," he said.

He added: "The question you have to ask is this because soldiers feel that Government compensation offered is not enough.

"You also wonder what the premiums must be."

In November, a report leaked to a newspaper said soldiers could pay nearly £1,000 a year for policies.

Abacus offers kit, accident and life policies to soldiers and said it has started to offer a "free Armed Forces will".

Army sources said there are a number of cases where injured soldiers are in dispute with insurance firms over pay-outs.

One, Private Simon Peacock, 22, of Basildon, Essex, is arguing for more after being hit by shrapnel while serving in Afghanistan.