According to Aviva’s Individual Protection Claims and Wellbeing Report for 2024, cancer remains the leading cause of individual protection claims across all product lines. The report highlights the significant impact of cancer on claimants, accounting for 58.4% of critical-illness claims, 32.4% of children’s benefit claims, and 42.2% of life-insurance claims. Additionally, cancer made up 13.6% of income protection claims, with Aviva providing financial support and rehabilitation services to affected customers.
The report emphasizes the crucial role of protection insurance in helping customers manage the financial and emotional burden of serious illness. Aviva’s services, such as Aviva Digicare+ and Smart Health, as well as partnerships with Macmillan Cancer Nurse Specialists and Grief Encounter, provide additional support to customers. The insurer also offers initiatives like Project Teddy, which provides comfort to families dealing with childhood cancer diagnoses.
The report also highlights trends in critical illness and gender. Cancer was the leading cause of critical-illness claims for both male and female policyholders, with breast cancer representing over half of female claims and prostate cancer leading among male claims. Among children, haematological cancers accounted for the majority of cancer-related claims.
Aviva’s claims team prioritizes speed and compassion when handling children’s cancer cases, often fast-tracking claims and offering additional emotional support. The report also notes that cancer was the leading cause of life insurance and terminal-illness claims across all age groups over 30, comprising 42.2% of total claims.
Jacqueline Kerwood, head of protection claims strategy and governance at Aviva, emphasized the significant financial impact of cancer and the vital role of protection insurance in easing that burden. She highlighted Aviva’s commitment to being there for customers when they need it most, providing crucial financial, practical, and emotional support.
Overall, the report underscores the importance of protection insurance in providing a financial safety net for individuals and families affected by serious illnesses like cancer. By providing comprehensive support and services, Aviva aims to make a positive impact on the lives of its customers during challenging times.