During 2009 Aviva (formally Norwich Union) paid out 1,499 critical illness (CI) claims, totalling almost £118 million.

The average amount paid out has increased from £75,000 in 2008 to £79,000 in 2009.

Cancer remained by far the most common cause, 67% of all claims in 2009.

The number of claims declined in 2009 for non-disclosure of medical facts at the policy’s outset remained stable at 2%.

A further £151 million has been paid to the families of people who have died, or been diagnosed with a terminal illness in 2009.

This takes the total Aviva has paid out to over £1 billion pounds in critical illness and life insurance claims since 2006.

Richard Verdin, director of protection at Aviva, said: “Critical illness cover remains a crucially important solution for many. With 9 in 10 claims being paid. Collectively we owe it to customers to ensure people do realise the potential need and value of life insurance before it’s too late.”

 He stated “47% of Britons don’t have critical illness or life protection and even more worryingly 75% of single parents have no protection, which has huge implications for their families”.

 To ensure that you and your family are fully protected in the event of suffering a critical illness contact 1 STOP Financial Services for a free review. 01437 767110    www.1sfs.co.uk