Health Insurance Glossary L

Lapse

Termination of insurance for non-payment of premium.

Life insurance

A policy that pays a specified sum to beneficiaries upon the death of the life assured, or upon the assured surviving a given number of years, depending on the terms of the policy. Life insurance policies may be for fixed or indefinite term.

Lifetime Maximum

A cap on the benefits paid for the duration of a health insurance policy. Many policies have a lifetime limit of 5 million, which means that the insurer agrees to cover up to 5 million in covered services over the life of the policy. Once the 5 million maximum is reached, no additional benefits are payable.

Limit of indemnity

Another term for policy limit. It refers to the maximum amount payable under a policy of insurance or reinsurance, either overall or with reference to a particular section of a policy.

Limited Policy

A policy that covers only specified accidents or sicknesses (e.g. a cancer policy).

Locum Insurance

A policy that pays a benefit, usually based upon a weekly amount, when an insured person suffers an accident or illness that prevents them from carry out their usual occupation. Variable payment periods can be selected based upon the insureds needs.

Loss adjuster

A person who is appointed to investigate the circumstances of a claim under an insurance policy and to advise on the amount that is payable to the policyholder in order to settle that claim. Loss adjusters are generally appointed by underwriters but sometimes policyholders appoint their own loss adjusters to negotiate claims on their behalf.

Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis

Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis are conditions characterised by inflammation of the inner ear, often triggered by infections. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, balance issues, and, in the case of labyrinthitis, hearing impairment.

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs when your digestive system struggles to break down lactose, a sugar present in milk and dairy products. This can lead to unpleasant symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. While there is no cure for lactose intolerance, most individuals can manage their symptoms by being mindful of their diet and avoiding lactose-containing foods and beverages.

Laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery is a procedure that can address various vision problems, including short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. It can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses for many individuals. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with laser eye surgery that should be carefully considered.

Laser facial resurfacing

Laser resurfacing, also known as skin resurfacing, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at removing the outer layers of skin from the face to stimulate the growth of new skin. It is commonly sought by individuals to improve the appearance and texture of their skin, reducing wrinkles, scars, and uneven pigmentation.

Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury

A lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury occurs when one of the ligaments in the knee is damaged. The LCL is situated on the outer side of the knee joint, connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the smaller bone in the lower leg (fibula).

Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a type of cancer that originates in the blood, impacting white blood cells and typically originating in the bone marrow. It encompasses various forms and can affect individuals of all ages, including both adults and children.

Lipoedema

Lipoedema is a condition characterised by the abnormal accumulation of fatty deposits, typically unevenly distributed. It commonly impacts the hips and thighs, occasionally extending to the arms, and predominantly affects women. Affected areas often exhibit tenderness and are prone to easy bruising. While there is currently no cure for lipoedema, treatment options exist, and ongoing research aims to advance understanding and management of the condition.

Local anaesthesia

Local anaesthesia involves the administration of a medication known as a local anaesthetic to numb a specific area of the body. It is commonly utilised to alleviate pain during and after surgical procedures. Additionally, local anaesthesia can be employed to manage painful conditions such as a sore throat.

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, occurs when your blood pressure drops significantly below your usual levels. Symptoms of low blood pressure may include dizziness and fainting.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer ranks as the third most prevalent cancer in the UK. Symptoms may include a persistent cough, breathlessness, and unexplained weight loss. Smoking is the leading cause of most lung cancer cases.

Lupus

Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic condition characterised by symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes. Symptoms can vary among individuals and may fluctuate over time. While there is no cure for lupus, treatments are available to manage the condition and improve symptoms, especially with early intervention.

Lymph node removal (lymphadenectomy)

Lymph node removal is a surgical procedure involving the extraction of one or more lymph nodes. This procedure may be recommended by your doctor if you've been diagnosed with cancer. It aids in determining if cancer has spread or in reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is the build-up of a fluid, called lymph, in a part of your body which causes it to swell. Lymphoedema can affect any part of your body, but often happens in your arms or legs, as a result of faulty genes or damage to the lymphatic system.