The figures, which reveal that the average age of the life claimant was just 56 years old, serve as a reminder for adults of all ages to look after their financial responsibilities throughout their lives.
Indeed, nearly one in five claims paid out (18%) were for policyholders aged just 44 or under, with a further third (32%) aged between 45-54 years old.
In total during 2011 Scottish Provident paid out £41,863,503 in life cover claims with the average claim being £84,744.
Jennifer Gilchrist, senior product development manager at Scottish Provident, said: "There have been plenty of discussions in recent years about Britain's aging population, with new figures showing that almost one in four Britons will be 65 or over in 2051.
“However our claims figures are a stark reminder about the very real need for individuals to look after their and their families' financial livelihood throughout their whole lives.
“Tragically, in an age where there are regular calls for people to provide for their pension, there are many thousands of people who do not live to retirement age.”
