Julie Blevins

Julie Blevins, a spokeswoman for BUPA said: "Some of our PMI policies covering out-patient treatment would pay for any physiotherapy that was recommended for acute RSL"

She added: "In long term chronic cases it would be possible to claim under a disability income protection plan."

However Blevins said: "To pay out a claim we would have to need to have medical verification that the policyholder suffers from RSI and is either unable to perform their job or needs particular treatment to relieve the problem."

She added: "Some of the claims that come in are a bit `woolly' Just a few aches and pains are not going to be covered."