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# Lichfield expert warns retirees could be missing on securing a higher pension
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-expert-warns-retirees-could-be-missing-on-securing-a-higher-pension/
- Published: 2011-04-06T07:00:35.000Z
- Updated: 2011-04-02T07:10:56.000Z
- Author: Contributor
- Tags: Business, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:32

Many retirees are missing out on securing a higher pension, according to a Lichfield expert.

The warning comes from independent financial adviser Kevin M Jenkins of Key Financial Management, a trading name of 2plan Ltd.

![Kevin Jenkins](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/kevin-jenkins.jpg "kevin-jenkins")

Kevin Jenkins

He explained:

> “Typically when I ask a retiree about their health, their immediate response is one of being in good health, even though they are perhaps taking medication or have had a previous medical condition. Their view is that their medical condition isn’t serious and is under control.”

However, Kevin advises that this common response could mean that many retirees are losing out on qualifying for an enhanced annuity which has a higher income rate than other standard annuities. He added:

> “I always spend time scratching beneath the surface to get information on current or previous health conditions to see if there are indicators of previous medical and lifestyle conditions that may affect life expectancy and which could result in an enhanced annuity rate.  
>  
> “Enhanced annuities are not just for people with serious illnesses, minor conditions such as high cholesterol and blood pressure can mean a person qualifies for the enhanced income rate. A person who enjoys the odd cigarette or glass of wine may well be buying an annuity without getting the best deal.”

Lifestyle factors which could increase a person’s chances of qualifying for an enhanced annuity include smoking ten manufactured cigarettes per day, or smoking 75g/2.5 oz of rolling tobacco per week or ten cigars per week.

With regards to drinking, consuming 36 units of alcohol or above per week could be a qualifying factor. That amount is the equivalent of 13 pints of strong lager with a five per cent alcohol volume or 12 large glasses of red wine with a 13 per cent alcohol volume.

Other qualifying factors can be based on height and weight, job description and where a person lives.

Kevin said:

> “The best course of action for anyone looking to buy an annuity in 2011 is to reflect back on their lifestyle and medical history and be methodical with the information they provide, as they may well qualify for a higher annuity rate.”