This is equivalent to more than £30 million over the 12 month period, and 912 claims.
For the fourth year in a row, the number of claims turned down as a result of non-disclosure has reduced, it is now down to 1.7% (2% the previous year).
Clive Allison, head of protection at Scottish Widows commented," Over the last ten years we have paid out 6,770 claims which means that many lives have benefited from the security our policies offer. We continue our commitment to ensuring our literature is clear and transparent, and customers receive the best quality advice."
Over the course of 2009, the main three reasons for a claim were cancer, heart related illnesses and strokes. The average age1for female claimants was 46, and 49 for men, with an average term of five years.
Cancer continues to be the main reason for a claim by both men and women. Overall 78% of women made a critical illness claim for cancer, compared to 46% of males, with breast cancer affecting 52% of female cancer claimants and bowel cancer affecting 10% of males.
After cancer, the biggest gap in claims between men and women was for heart related claims; 35% of men made a claim, compared to 5% of women claiming for a heart related illness.
Clive Allison concluded: "Illness can strike an individual at any time, and the effect on families physically, mentally and financially can be enormous, therefore the need for critical illness cover is extremely important… At Scottish Widows we want to encourage people to prepare for the future by taking control of any unforeseen problems that could arise and provide the support our customers will need in those circumstances."
