Zurich UK Life sees rise in critical illness pay-outs

by Richard Kilner

Story link: Zurich UK Life sees rise in critical illness pay-outs

Zurich UK Life has released figures revealing that the number of critical illness claims paid out has risen by more than a quarter from 2005 to 2009.

The total sum paid out is also up, rising from £58.5m in 2008 to £62.3m for 2009, with cancer, heart attacks and strokes the most common causes for claiming.

The number of settled claims has increased for four years on the trot, with 2009 recording 814, significantly higher than the 584 cases in 2005.

In addition, the number of critical illness claims declined fell from 2008 to 2009 by 9%, one ninth of which was due to non-disclosure, with the other eight-ninths being accounted for by failure to meet the definition of a condition.

Underwriting and Claims Director Phil Brown has emphasised the firm’s pride at its longstanding commitment to pay out as a quickly as possible when genuine claims are made.