Last year 91% of all critical illness claims were paid, with just 2% of claims declined for non-disclosure.
The average pay out was £82,000, with the largest at just over £945,000.
Cancer remained the top reason for making a critical illness claim, accounting for over half of all claims. A total of 33 different types of cancer were claimed for and a third of all cancer claims were for breast cancer.
Commenting, Jennifer Gilchrist, senior product development manager, Scottish Provident said: “With breast cancer accounting for a third of our cancer claims, it is essential that more women are encouraged to take out protection insurance.
“Earlier detection of breast cancer means that many more women are surviving the disease. That is why we improved our critical illness cover last year by including additional cover for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early form of breast cancer.
“This extra cover provides for a smaller payment to be made, recognising the need for some additional financial protection on diagnosis of DCIS.
“When someone is diagnosed with a serious illness the last thing they will want to worry about is how they will cope financially. And the payout from a critical illness policy provides valuable financial support when they need it most.”
