UK insurers paid 97.9 per cent of individual protection claims in 2025, according to the Association of British Insurers. Among the largest life insurers, published 2024 life claims paid rates were 99.4 per cent at Aviva and LV=, 99.5 per cent at Vitality, 99.3 per cent at Royal London, 98.4 per cent at Zurich and 97.0 per cent at Legal and General.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED 30 AUGUST 2026
- 97.9 per cent of individual protection claims were paid in 2025 (ABI).
- Published 2024 life claims paid rates ran from 97.0 per cent to 99.5 per cent across major insurers.
- Term and whole of life differ sharply on price, term and payout certainty.
Major UK life insurers and their published 2024 life claims paid rates
| Insurer | 2024 life claims paid | Cover offered |
| Vitality | 99.5 per cent | Term, whole of life, over 50s, family |
| Aviva | 99.4 per cent | Level, decreasing, increasing, family income |
| LV= | 99.4 per cent | Level, decreasing, joint, critical illness |
| Royal London | 99.3 per cent | Whole life, level and decreasing term |
| Zurich | 98.4 per cent | Level, decreasing, increasing term |
| Legal and General | 97.0 per cent | Level, decreasing term, whole of life |
Source: Each insurer's published 2024 claims statistics
KEY FACTS
- 97.9 per cent of individual protection claims were paid in 2025 (ABI).
- Vitality published the highest major insurer life claims paid rate at 99.5 per cent (2024).
- Total protection payout was £7.84 billion in 2025; £5.15 billion on individual policies (ABI).
- Average individual claim was £19,300 in 2025 (ABI).
- Critical illness average payout was £67,000, with 65 per cent of claims for cancer (ABI, 2025).
UK protection claims paid by type, latest ABI figures
| Cover type | Claims paid | Total paid / period |
| Individual protection (all types) | 97.9 per cent | £5.15bn, 2025 |
| Term life insurance | 96.5 per cent | £4,025m, 2024 |
| Whole of life insurance | 99.9 per cent | £1,532m, 2024 |
| Critical illness cover | 89.7 per cent | £1,443m, 2024 |
| Income protection | 80 per cent | £969m, 2024 |
Source: ABI protection claims statistics, 2024 and 2025
How the major insurers compare on payout
The named insurers above all publish their own claims paid statistics each year. On 2024 figures Vitality reported the highest life claims paid rate at 99.5 per cent, with Aviva and LV= at 99.4 per cent, Royal London at 99.3 per cent, Zurich at 98.4 per cent and Legal and General at 97.0 per cent. Legal and General, the UK's biggest term life provider, sits slightly lower because its higher underwriting volume includes more complex cases. All six sit within the same reliability band and above the wider industry average of 97.9 per cent for individual protection.
Why claims are declined
The small share of declined claims is overwhelmingly tied to non disclosure at application, where health or lifestyle information was not given accurately, along with policy lapse and definition mismatch on older policies. Zurich, for example, attributes roughly 70 to 80 per cent of its declined claims to non disclosure. This is why complete and accurate answers at application protect a claim more than any single provider choice.
Term life versus whole of life
Term life covers a set period and pays out only if death occurs within it, which makes it the cheapest cover because most policies never claim: the industry paid 96.5 per cent of term claims in 2024. Whole of life covers the whole of life and pays out with near certainty, reflected in a 99.9 per cent payout rate and a materially higher premium. Decreasing term, where the sum assured falls over time, is often paired with a repayment mortgage.
What shapes the premium
Age and health at application are the largest factors, followed by sum assured, term and whether critical illness cover is added. Critical illness paid an average of £67,000 in 2025 with 65 per cent of claims for cancer, and is priced separately. Writing a policy in trust does not change the premium but can keep the payout outside the estate for inheritance tax and speed payment to beneficiaries.
DISCLAIMER
This article is editorial information, not financial advice. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Figures were correct at the last review date shown above; verify current rates and rules with the primary sources listed below before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Which life insurer pays the most claims
On published 2024 figures Vitality reported the highest life claims paid rate among major insurers at 99.5 per cent, with Aviva and LV= at 99.4 per cent. All major insurers sit above 97 per cent.
What percentage of life insurance claims are paid
The ABI reported 97.9 per cent of individual protection claims paid in 2025. Term life paid at 96.5 per cent and whole of life at 99.9 per cent in 2024.
Why are some life insurance claims declined
The main reason is non disclosure of medical or lifestyle information at application, along with policy lapse and definition mismatch. Accurate answers at application are the main protection.
Is whole of life more expensive than term
Yes, materially. Whole of life pays out with near certainty, reflected in its 99.9 per cent payout rate, so premiums are much higher than term life.
How much does critical illness cover pay
The average individual critical illness payout was £67,000 in 2025 according to the ABI, with 65 per cent of claims for cancer.
SOURCES
- ABI: Protection insurers pay out 7.84 billion in 2025 – accessed 30 August 2026
- ABI protection claims statistics – accessed 30 August 2026
