1900 to 2000
Sun Life Assurance Society's first monthly premium plan was introduced in 1900. Towards the end of that year, they became the first company in the industry to offer life assurance without a medical examination.[17] In 1921, the non-medical scheme was finalised, meaning approved people aged 50 or over could get immediate whole of life cover without the need for a medical examination.[18]
In the years leading up to the Second World War, Sun Life Assurance Society owned East Hall, a house in the outskirts of Orpington. In 1938, it was made into a Southern Divisional Centre in preparation for the war.[19]
In 1965, the 155 years of close association between Sun Life and the Sun Fire Office came to an end.[20] The break was a result of the formation of the Sun Alliance and London Group. When Sun Alliance made a successful bid for London Assurance, it resulted in a conflict of interest with Sun Life, so it was agreed that they would go their separate ways.[21]
From the 1970s SunLife split their headquarters between London and Bristol.[22] The head office moved to Bristol in 1976–1977.[23] Within a year, Sun Life began sending out direct mail.[24] They introduced their very first plan for people aged over 50 in 1979.[25] In 1982, they became the world's first life assurance company to announce a £200,000 non-medical limit.[26]
In 1992, French insurer UAP became Sun Life Assurance Society's major shareholder.[27] In 1995, Sun Life Assurance Society merged with Provincial Insurance Company and established the holding company, Sun Life & Provincial Holdings.[28]
