A total of 97 per cent of protection claims were paid by the industry in 2015, although 7.5 per cent of critical illness and 7.3 per cent of income protection claims were declined.

Figures from across the whole protection industry collated by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and Group Risk Development (Grid) show that 1.9 per cent of life claims were declined, while 33.6 per cent of total permanent disability claims were rejected. The industry paid out over £5bn in claims, with the average payout £69,098 for life insurance, £61,677 for critical illness,£65,213 for total permanent disability, £17,087 for income protection and £5,925 per cent for whole of life assurance.

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