Norwich Union paid over £65 million to critical illness claimants in 2004, an increase of £15 million more than the amount paid in 2003 (£49 million).
Norwich Union paid over Ł65 million to critical illness claimants in 2004, an increase of Ł15 million more than the amount paid in 2003 (Ł49 million). A total of 924 claims were paid (74% of all claims received), with the average payment being over Ł70,000. The largest single payout in 2004 was Ł1,150,000 for a case of thyroid cancer.
The top three claims paid in 2004 were:
- Cancer 66%
- Heart attack 11%
- Stroke 6%
The average age of critical illness claimants in 2004 was 40 years old, and men accounted for a slightly higher proportion of claims (51.08%).
Norwich Union was unable to meet 167 claims (13%) due to non-disclosure of medical information at policy outset. A further 164 claims (13%) were declined because the critical illness policy conditions were not met.
Lawrence Jackson, head of risk at Norwich Union, said: “It will surprise many people that the average age people make a claim is only 40 years old. This really highlights the importance of having cover in place, as a critical illness can happen at any age and not just later in life.
“Our report also identifies that in 2004, Norwich Union declined more than one-in-10 claims as a result of non-disclosure of medical information when completing the application form. Whenever this occurs, it is a very sad situation.
“People must take their time when completing application forms and ensure that they share all the information they are asked for. Insurance applications are some of the most important forms a person will ever fill in and if they don’t answer all the questions fully and to the best of their knowledge, we may not be able to help them should the occasion arise.”
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Press office contacts:
David Gwyer 01904 452828 Out of hours 07800 699508
James Evans 01904 452791 Out of hours 07800 699525
Rob Pell 01904 452659 Out of hours 07800 699563
Cheryl Cox 01904 452617 Out of hours 07800 695275
Notes to editors:
Norwich Union’s claims experience in 2004
| Critical Illness | Percentage of paid claims |
| Cancer | 66% |
| Heart Attack | 11% |
| Stroke | 6% |
| Multiple Sclerosis | 5% |
| Heart Surgery | 4% |
| Other | 4% |
| Benign Brain Tumour | 2% |
| TPD | 2% |
| Total | 100.00 |
Age of claimants in 2004
| Age Band | Percentage of claims |
| 61-70 | 0.43 |
| 51-60 | 14.29 |
| 41-50 | 31.60 |
| 31-40 | 41.99 |
| up to 30 | 11.69 |
| Total | 100.00 |
About Norwich Union
Norwich Union is one of the UK's biggest insurers. It is a leading provider of life, pensions and investment products and one of the largest Financial Adviser (FA) providers. FAs provide over 70% of the company's long-term savings business in the UK.
Norwich Union has strategic alliances with building societies and other leading UK brand names including CIS and The Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Norwich Union’s news releases and a selection of images are available from Aviva's internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media.