insurance firm.

They can now claim up to 70 percent of their life insurance to make the last year of their lives easier.

The additional policy -- called Lifeline -- has been provided by BF&M Insurance Company.

It applies only to people given a year to live by doctors.

Current policy holders can apply for Lifeline without charge, provided they have a medical exam.

BF&M is believed to be the first insurance company in Bermuda to offer such a policy.

BF&M president Mr. Glenn Titterton said yesterday he had been aware of the need to help the terminally ill some time.

Similar policies have been provided in the US for some time.

"Life insurance gives a terminally ill person a great deal of satisfaction,'' Mr. Titterton said. "She or he has provided for her or his survivor's financial needs, but it does not offer the terminally ill any direct benefit.

Lifeline provides them with the ability to claim themselves in order to meet their own expenses and costs as a result of being terminally ill.

"This is a practical response to the needs of the terminally ill, and it is coming into effect right now.'' North American insurance companies have offered such policies for four or five years.

Mr. Titterton accepted claiming up to 70 percent of life insurance would decrease the amount left to the policyholder's survivor.

"Obviously this is something which will have to be discussed with the beneficiaries beforehand.

"But at least it takes the rigidity out of the whole process.'' Mr. Titterton said it was up to the policy holder what to do with money claimed from Lifeline.

"It could cover medical expenses, or any other means of meeting the final needs of the terminally ill.''