Serious Illness Cover Misunderstood But Not Mis-sold

In two separate recent judgments, the High Court has upheld decisions of the Financial Services Ombudsman (FSO) in relation to claims regarding serious illness cover. 

In the case of O'Regan v Financial Services Ombudsman, the appellants were a married couple who believed their mortgage protection policy included cover for serious illness.  However, a claim for rheumatoid arthritis was refused by their insurer on the basis that the policy did not in fact include serious illness cover.  The couple complained to the FSO who found that the complaint was unsubstantiated.  The appellants appealed the FSO's decision to the High Court and the High Court remitted to the FSO the matter for an oral hearing as there was conflicting factual evidence.