Man loses challenge over insurance company refusal

A man has lost his legal challenge over an insurance company’s refusal to pay out on his claim for serious illness cover.

Derek O’Regan made a claim to Zurich Insurance after being diagnosed in early 2011 with rheumatoid arthritis in his ankle and knee joints, leaving him unable to continue his work as a plasterer.

One of his young children has been diagnosed with a related illness and it was impossible not to feel sympathy for the family, the Court of Appeal said.